Poster Presentations - Washburn Room A
11:30 a.m. - 1:05 p.m.
#1 Walking Ant Animation Programmed with OpenGL
Scott Lollman
Mentor:
Bruce Mechtly, Computer Information Sciences
This project will realistically animate an ant walking over a random terrain using
OpenGL. Where most real-time walk cycles use pre-generated frames, the ant's legs
will be built and placed based on the actual height of the terrain. The final project
will display a number of ants walking with simple behaviors and allow for the
spontaneous addition and removal of ants from the world space.
#2 Simplified Griess Procedure (Testing for Gunshot Residue)
Jaime L. Dennis
Mentor:
Sue Salem, Chemistry
Testing procedures employed by the state of Kansas according to gunshot residue are
quite limited in their scope. As of this date though, state agencies are still
testing for distance determination with a two- part procedure known as the Simplified
Griess Procedure. This presumptive procedure utilizes the unique nitrates and lead
found together only in gunpowder. Perhaps this test can indicate not only the
distance at which the gun was fired, but also the identity of the gun and bullet if
two different firearms were present (one with lead based bullets and one with lead
free bullets). It was my intent to analyze and observe the Griess Procedure
first-hand. However, the entire procedure raised a few questions as to what it is
capable of indirectly.
#3 Predator Vs. Prey Using the A* Algorithm
Tina Reed
Mentor:
Cecil Schmidt, Computer Information Sciences
This project examines the predator vs. prey aspect of a virtual world. It will
examine the behaviors of machine-based intelligent agents with unique properties and
their abilities to capture and avoid one another using the A* search algorithm.
These agents will be located in a terrain-based virtual world, left fending for
themselves. The intended result of this project is to demonstrate the effectiveness
of the A* search algorithm in a virtual world simulation.
#4 The Effect of Chocolate on a Motor Performance Task
Lindsay M. Holtz, Elise Renee Short
Mentor:
Joanne Altman, Psychology
This study determined the effect of caffeine in chocolate on a motor performance
task. After consuming white versus dark chocolate, the participants performed a
pegboard motor task. No differences were found. These results suggest that there is
not enough caffeine in chocolate to improve performance on a motor task.
#5 Further Studies of Oxidation of Pyrrole alpha-Methyl to Acetoxymethyl and Other Groups
Elizabeth N. Farnham
Mentor:
Sam H. Leung, Chemistry
Pyrroles are compounds that are useful in the synthesis of porphyrins. Porphyrins
are compounds that are found to be the core structures in biological molecules such
as heme and chlorophyll. In addition, it has been discovered that porphyrins are
useful in photodynamic therapy for cancer patients. Pyrroles are also a critical
component in biochemical and medicinal research. Research in pyrrole chemistry is
very important because the substituents on pyrroles often need to be modified to be
useful in porphyrin synthesis. In this project, alternatives to the existing methods
for oxidizing the alpha-methyl group of a pyrrole to an acetoxymethyl group, or
various other groups, were sought.
#6 What's in a Piano?: Looking Beyond the Keyboard
Rebecca Joan Bumgarner
Mentor:
Jessie Fillerup, Music
Last summer I researched 'prepared piano.' I placed items on piano strings to create
different timbres, but I struggled to find adequate resources. Using my limited
resources, and through experimentation, I was able to identify certain qualities to
look for when purchasing materials to place inside the piano, and appropriate
methodology for doing so. I wrote down my findings to make prepared piano pieces more
accessible to individuals who do not wish to experiment, but want to produce
results. Many material choices were simply a matter of personal taste. To
demonstrate this, I recorded John Cage's Sonata V from Sonatas and Interludes
several times, using different materials each time, producing unique results. I also
compiled an index of pieces using this technique.
#7 (WTE) Solving the Mystery Behind Lie Detection?
Melissa A. Gallaway
Mentor:
Joanne Altman, Psychology
There are inconsistencies in the literature on lie detection. Some studies suggest
that people are accurate at detecting deceit while other studies suggest people are
not accurate. This may have been due to the different methods used to create the
lying conditions. This study investigated the methodological differences in the
literature to determine if people are accurate at detecting lying when it occurs.
The results suggest that there was a significant difference between the different
methods. However, the data went in the opposite direction of the hypothesis. This
may have been due to constraints of the study.
#8 A Case Study of the Recruitment Processes Used by the 190th Air Refueling Wing
Alike Ann Courtney, Monica L. Huntzinger
Mentor:
David Depue, Office, Legal, & Technology
The purpose of this case study is to examine the alignment of the recruiting needs
and requirements of the 190th Air Refueling Wing. With a focus on the processes the
recruiters use to enlist potential personnel. Using a SWOT analysis allows for a
clear view of alignment issues and opportunities. The key goal of this study is to
expose the strategies used and there effectiveness. Also comparing and contrasting
other military branches processes and their success rate.
#9 Case Study of Thompson Dehydrating Co., Inc.
Sara M. Anschutz
Mentor:
Janice Schrum, School of Business
The purpose of this case study is to research the reasons for the success of
Thompson Dehydrating Co., Inc. (TDC). In particular, this case study focuses on the
organizational cultural elements including organizational artifacts, assumptions,
and rites and rituals that have contributed to their exemplar performance. The TDC
is a small company poised for growth. The main goal of this study is to assess the
organization's current level of functioning as well as discusses projected future
directions.
#10 A Java Application for 3-D Visualization of Sound
Jennifer Bliss, Brad Steele
Mentor:
Bruce Mechtly, Computer Information Sciences
We developed a Java application that provides three different views of sound data. A
user can select viewing of a waveform, frequency spectrum using fast fourier
transform(FFT), or surface graph of frequency verses time. The sound data can come
from a .wav file or microphone.
#11 Sexual Violence Surveillance: A Three Year Study of Incidence of Sexual Violence
in The State of Kansas
Elizabeth Lusk, Gretchen McFalls, Pete Muenks, Sri Venkata Uppalapati
Mentor:
Dave Provorse, Psychology
This research has been grant sponsored by the Kansas Department of Health and
Environment (KDHE). The first phase of research involved the research team
familiarizing themselves with the various agencies in the state of Kansas that come
into contact with victims and report incidence of sexual violence. Phase 2 involved
contacting these agencies, collecting sexual violence incidence data and reporting
prevalence rates to the KDHE. Phase 3 of the research involved identifying the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)key minimum data elements for
nationwide identification, recording and monitoring of sexual violence. Currently the
research team is in phase 4, which includes developing a website for standardized
reporting of sexual violence data consistent with the CDC's minimum data elements.
#12 A Look Into Public Administration: City of Olathe Salary Study
Nick Woolery
Mentor:
Steve Cann, Political Science - Geography
Public Administration is a field of study that is often overlooked. However, almost
every single thing a person does during a day is affected by a public administrator.
This is why exploring public administration and the types of research involved is a
very important area of study. This study explores the background of internal local
government issues and how public administrators can work past these issues. The
study includes different statistical tests such as regression analysis, cross tabs,
and frequency distributions. These tests are done on salary data received from the
City of Olathe, KS. The data collection and tests have been done to examine whether
there are internal problems in the City of Olathe regarding salary. The salaries are
compared to variables such as gender, department, years worked, etc. and then
compared to each person's market salary for the position. We can then make
observations of these results and figure ways to improve problems if they exist.
#13 Effects of Standing vs. Sitting During Exercise in an Elderly Population
Jenna Marie Hatlestad
Mentor:
Park Lockwood, Health, Physical Education, Exercise Science
Twelve residents from an assisted living were recruited to participate an exercise
program. They were divided into three groups; two exercise and one control. The two
exercise groups will then be divided into a standing and seated group. The two
groups will perform the same resistance training program, three days a week, in
their respective positions. Four tests to evaluate balance, strength, and endurance
will be utilized pre and post the six week program. The data will be compared to see
if any improvement was made. It is hypothesized that the exercise groups will
improve the test scores and the control group will stay the same. Furthermore, the
standing exercise group will show greater improvement over the seated exercise
group.
#14 (WTE) Influence of Time and Experience on Perception of Empathy
Jennifer Diane Cavin
Mentor:
Mike Russell, Psychology
Empathy plays an important role in the therapeutic process and is known to have an
impact on the retention and outcome of therapy. Previous studies have focused on
clients views of therapist empathy in an authentic psychotherapy session. In the
present study individuals viewed pseudo therapy sessions in which participants'
rated empathic responses of 'therapist in training' on a Likert scale of 1 to 7.
Participants were undergraduate and graduate students from Washburn University.
Individuals viewed video segments taken at three different times during therapy. In
order to determine consistency in empathic responses, participants viewed random
clips at the beginning, middle, and end of the therapy session. The findings are
discussed in relation to the importance of patient perception of therapist empathy.
#15 (WTE) Attitudes Toward Personal Cleanliness in College Students
Christin Hamilton
Mentor:
Michael Russell, Psychology
Previous research on cleanliness has been restricted to housecleaning methods,
rather than a person's own personal hygiene. This study investigated the attitudes
of college students on personal cleanliness with respect to personal hygiene as well
as housecleaning preferences. College students were given a demographic survey,
asking them to provide demographic information and then asked to complete a personal
cleanliness questionnaire. The cleanliness questionnaire consisted of 22 items,
which asked them to rate their cleanliness in regard to different items on a Likert
scale. The findings will be discussed in terms of gender and relationship status, as
well as the potential sources of differences in those two areas.
#16 (WTE) The Effects of Eliciting Positive Emotion in Individuals with High and Low Social Anxiety
Shelly Hulinsky
Mentor:
Cindy Turk, Psychology
Socially anxious individuals reported being less expressive of positive emotions
than individuals with low levels of social anxiety (Turk et al., 2005). Sixty
individuals (30 socially anxious, 30 not socially anxious) were divided into groups.
They were asked to fill out a packet of questionnaires and then given either a flower
or verbal 'thank you.' Whether they responded with a Duchenne (true), polite, or no
smile was recorded. They were then asked to fill out a second set of questionnaires.
It is hypothesized that individuals who are socially anxious are less likely to
produce a Duchenne smile than the non-socially anxious individuals. It is also
expected that all individuals who have participated will report greater
self-happiness when they are presented with a flower.
#17 Effects of Marathon Training on Psychological Well-Being, Depression, Self-Esteem
and Life Satisfaction
Lindsay A. Johnson
Mentor:
Dave Provorse, Psychology
Students participating in the Washburn University Marathon Training course were
assessed at three points in time during the spring semester 2007. Pre-term, midterm
and end-of-term responses were compared both within this sample of 31
student-runners and to a control sample of students enrolled in PY100 who were not
engaged in a vigorous physical training program. Differences across time and between
samples were identified using psychometrically sound assessment instruments to
measure the four constructs of: Psychological Well-Being, Depression, Self-Esteem
and Life Satisfaction.
#18 Intelligent Navigation Using LRTA* in a Safely Explorable Corn Maze
Angela L. Cowan
Mentor:
Cecil Schmidt, Computer Information Sciences
Getting lost in a corn maze is not an exciting dilemma albeit in life or in a game.
Using an intelligent program I attempt to solve this problem. In particular this
problem can be framed as an online search where knowledge of the search environment
is acquired through the interleaving of computation and actions. I assume that the
search agent can always recover from its search mistakes, that is the environment is
safely explorable. Using a search algorithm called LRTA*, I will demonstrate how a
computer program can simulate the navigation of a corn maze. The agent within the
program will not have knowledge of the layout of the maze upon entry into the
environment. Using self discovery the agent will work through the maze finding its
way out, thus ending the dilemma.
#19 Solving Rubik's Cube Using Intelligent Search
Johnathan A King
Mentor:
Cecil Schmidt, Computer Information Science
Project will focus on using Iterative Deepening A* (IDA*) search to find the optimal
solution to a randomly selected scrambled Rubik's Cube. Topics explored will be
developing and explaining admissible heuristics for the search, tree pruning for the
IDA* search, and test parameters for the actual implementation of a program that
finds the optimal solution.
#20 Bayesian Machine Learning
Justin C. Higgins
Mentor:
Cecil Schmidt, Computer Information Sciences
This project will use datasets from the University of California at Irvine machine
learning repository. Bayesian machine learning will be used to predict values of
unknown attributes given several other known attributes. The Java machine learning
application 'Weka' will be used as a starting point and enhancements to the machine
learning algorithms will be added. User interaction will be added, with the user
answering multiple questions. A prediction about the user will then be made.
#21 A Discovery Laboratory Experiment for First-Year Chemistry Students
Amy Olivia Puderbaugh
Mentor:
Stephen Angel, Chemistry
A freshman chemistry discovery laboratory experiment is presented that allows
students to determine the presence and concentration of polyphenolics in the
foods/drinks of their choice. Polyphenolics are a type of antioxidant prevalent in
many food sources, and the intent of this laboratory experiment is that the student
will be able to bring in and analyze any food source they choose so that there is a
true element of discovery. Simple techniques and equipment, highlighting extraction,
filtration, standard preparation, use of Spec 20s, and application of the
Beer-Lambert Law render results comparable to more sophisticated published results
on polyphenolic concentrations in apples. The same technique used on apples is
extended to other foods.
#22 Childhood Obesity Intervention Program
Jessica Jene Couch
Mentor:
Debbie Isaacson, School of Nursing
I helped to develop, organize, and identify resources for a summer program targeting
childhood obesity within the Seaman Unified School District #345. Children attending
the elementary school will have their BMI checked yearly. If the BMI falls within
the overweight or obese category they will receive a recommendation to attend this
summer program as well as a referral to a physician. The program will be four hours
long and four days per week for four weeks. The program is developed to teach proper
nutrition and exercise principles to the children and encourage the daily
application of these principles in their lives. The program also includes daily
physical activity and the application of BMI and fitness testing throughout the
program to monitor the childrens' progress.
#23 Washburn University GIS
Joe Gibson
Mentor:
David Depue, Office, Legal, & Technology
This presentation represents a conceptual kernel for a Washburn University
geographic information system and the database management system used to drive it.
#24 (WTE) The Effect of Training Versus Intuition on Profiling
Daysha Renee Jennings
Mentor:
Joanne Altman, Psychology
Offender profiling is the art of trying to describe the perpetrator that has
committed a crime. Some argue that profiling is more intuitive than scientifically
systematic; while others, like the FBI, assert successful profiling is learned. This
study pitted intuition against learning to determine if one methodology outperforms
the other.
#25 The Effects of Sport Participation and Parental Divorce on Adolescent Self- Esteem
Erin M. Soukup
Mentor:
Pamelyn M. MacDonald, Psychology
Children of divorce are likely to experience low levels of self-efficiency, have
problems socially, and have trouble coping with difficult situations. The purpose of
the proposed study is to determine whether participation in sports can help mediate
the self-esteem lowering effects of divorce in a late adolescent population (18-24
year olds). It is predicted that adolescents from divorced families who also
participate in sports will score higher on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale than
adolescents from divorced homes that do not participate in sports. A comparison
group of adolescents with parents who did not divorce will also be included.
#26 Aerobic Oxidation of alpha-Methylpyrroles to alpha-Formlypyrroles Catalyzed by
N-Hydroxyphthalimide/CuCl WTE
Ami A. Rughani
Mentor:
Sam Leung, Chemistry
Pyrroles are compounds used in the synthesis of porphyrins, which are the core
structures in biological molecules such as heme and chlorophyll. Studies in pyrrole
chemistry are important since the substituents on pyrroles often need to be modified
for use in porphyrin synthesis. In this research project, alternatives to the
existing methods for oxidizing the alpha-methyl group of a pyrrole to an aldehyde
group were sought. Currently the research is focused on the aerobic oxidation using
N-hydroxyphthalimide/CuCl as catalyst under normal pressure. Moderate yields of
alpha-formylpyrroles have been achieved.
#27 Evolution and Attraction: The Influence of Wealth and Age on the Attractiveness of Men
Trent A. Wilkerson
Mentor:
Joanne Altman, Psychology
Evolutionary psychology explains attraction by a genetic drive to reproduce
successfully and that men and women select for different characteristics due to this
impulse. This study was to determine whether or not men would be rated as more
attractive if they contained signs of wealth and older age. The participants rated
four pictures of a man displaying a chest that was either hairy or shaved, and was
wearing either a gold or plastic watch. There were no significant differences found
due to the indices of age or wealth. However, an effect for having a shaved chest
was marginally significant. A cultural influence is a possible reason for the results
tending in an opposite direction.
#28 (WTE) The Effect of Personality Type, Grade Level, Gender, and Sociality on Student
Adjustment to College
Candace Lea Wilcox
Mentor:
Joanne Altman, Psychology
Sociality and personality play significant roles in college adjustment. However, the
interaction between them has not been investigated. Additionally, adjustment has not
been studied developmentally across classes, nor has possible differences between
gender been looked at. Therefore this study examined the effect that personality
type (introversion/extroversion), class, gender, and amount of social involvement,
had on students' adjustment to college.
#29 The Application of Capital Structure Theory
Daniel P. McNulty
Mentor:
Rob Hull, School of Business
Optimization of capital structure to maximize the value of a firm is a widely
accepted idea that has historically been hard to put into practice. With the
derivation of a new capital structure model in 2005, we can now estimate the optimal
mix of debt and equity to maximize firm value. This paper uses Westar Energy Inc. to
provide a basis for applying the model in practice. The summary results show how the
firm compares to the model, and how they could improve their capital structure mix to
maximize the value of a firm in an unregulated environment.
#30 The Effects Animal Interactions Have on the Amount of Time Spent Viewing
Gorillas and Black Bears at the Topeka Zoo
Monica Sanders
Mentor:
Lee Boyd, Biology
Zoos are found all over the world and about half of the general public has visited a
zoo in the last two years (Lukas 2005). Why do some people seem to stay at an
exhibit longer than the others? What are they looking for? If animals are
interacting with their human observers at the Topeka Zoo, then I hypothesize that
the observers will tend to stay longer periods of time to watch them. Two different
groups of animals were observed for 10 hours each in April 2006: Lowland gorillas
Tiffany and M'Bili, and Black Bears Juneau, Sneak, and Peek. It was found that
animal interaction between themselves and the guests of the zoo plays a minimal role
in how much time is spent at each exhibit.
#31 (WTE) Environmental Isolation of Naegleria Fowleri in Northeast Kansas
Sam W. Smith
Mentor:
John C. Mullican, Biology
N. fowleri is a ubiquitous free-living thermotolerant amoeboflagellate known to be
the causative agent of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but almost
always fatal disease of the central nervous system. Diagnosed incidences of PAM have
been recorded in states bordering Kansas including Missouri and Oklahoma. A survey
of various water bodies in northeast Kansas was undertaken to determine the presence
of N. fowleri. Water samples were collected from five Kansas lakes using two
different collection methods. A total of 46 water samples were collected yielding
152 separate amoeba isolates. Of these isolates, 111 were found to be
thermotolerant, of which 20 (to date) were tested using a nested PCR assay. Five
(25%) of the tested isolates, all obtained from a single lake in Lawrence, KS,
tested positive for N. fowleri. The project described was supported by the NIH Grant
Number P20RR016475 from the K- INBRE Program of the National Center for Research
Resources.
#32 (WTE) Using a Prisoners' Dilemma Game to Look at Social Stereotypes Towards People
with Disabilities
Erin R. Menhusen
Mentor:
Joanne Altman, Psychology
This study looked at whether having a family member with a disability would result
in treating another with a disability less cooperatively in a prisoner's dilemma
game. Lower cooperation may indicate treatment of people with disabilities against
stereotypes. The results suggest that people are less cooperative in general.
#33 The Effect of Carbonation on Blood Lactate Levels and Exercise Performance in
College Aged Males
Nikki Roberts, Molly C. Shea
Mentor:
Paul Wagner, Biology
Scientists and athletes alike have attributed lactic acid buildup in the muscles to
muscle fatigue. The reasoning behind this theory is that additional carbon dioxide
from the beverage will create an acid-base imbalance that prevents the lactic acid
being produced in the working muscle from being shuttled into the blood stream as
quickly. To test this hypothesis, we increased levels of carbon dioxide by
increasing the respiratory dead space (i.e re-breathing carbon dioxide). Ten healthy
college aged males performed four incremental cycle ergometer tests that varied in
the amount of dead space. Our results show that blood lactate levels were inversely
proportional to changes in dead space despite the fact that heart rates and
resistances achieved were not significantly different. These studies confirm our
previous findings and suggest that muscles have the ability to shuttle lactate within
exercising muscles without reducing performance.
#34 (WTE) The Optimal Duration and Intensity of Exercise to Enhance or Facilitate Mental
Performance
Megan D. Casey
Mentor:
Mentor: Joanne Altman, Psychology
Participation in exercise results in physiological changes which are thought to be
manifested in psychological responses. This study seeks to understand the optimal
duration of exercise to facilitate or enhance concentration. Sudoku puzzles,
completed by participants prior to and following bouts of exercise of varied time
increments, measure concentration.
#35 Effects of Long Term Hypoxia on N. Gruberi and Recovery After Exposure
Becky J. Seadeek, Kyle R. Stueven
Mentor:
Tracy Wagner, Biology
Naegleria gruberi is a free-living amoeba that inhabits various aquatic and
terrestrial environments. It has a life cycle that allows it to change between three
different forms: amoeba, cyst, and flagellate. Previous research in this lab has
demonstrated that long term (72-96 hour exposure) hypoxia triggered encystment of
the amoeba. Higher percentages of encystment were seen with 12% hypoxia compared to
15% hypoxia. Currently we are continuing these experiments with the additional step
of harvesting the cysts after exposure to hypoxia and seeing if they will return to
amoeboid form in a normoxic environment. In the encysted form, oxygen requirements
are reduced, allowing survival for a longer period of time. If the N. gruberi excyst
upon returning to normoxic conditions, then it would support the hypothesis that
they are using the encysted form as a way to survive adverse conditions (hypoxia).
#36 (WTE) Characteristics of Sulfonamide-Resistant Bacteria Isolated from U.S. Rivers
Tracey Lee Brown, Joseph Donald, Heidi Nicole Zogelman
Mentor:
Ronald Ash, Biology
Bacteria resistant to sulfa drugs (sulfonamides) have been isolated from rivers
around the United States. The present project investigated the properties of these
organisms and the persistence of the resistance trait in bacteria allowed to
reproduce in the absence of sulfa drugs. The results of this research can be
summarized as follows: 1. the sulfonamide resistance trait persisted in bacteria
grown in the absence of the drug for over 6,000 generations, 2. the percent of the
population which remained resistant to sulfonamides was constant in 3 separate
isolates over a one year period, 3. A colonial variant appeared after approximately
5,000 generations. This variant was less sensitive to tetracyclines than the parent
strain but did not display any growth characteristics different from the parent. The
results suggest that sulfonamide resistance is a trait which bacteria maintain, even
in the absence of a selective pressure.
#37 (WTE) Prevalence of Sulfonamide Resistance Genes in Bacteria from Fresh-Water
Adam M. Bayless, Christopher Jenks
Mentor:
Ronald Ash, Biology
The three separate genes responsible for sulfa drug resistance in bacteria are
designated as sul1, sul2, and sul3. Each gene has a unique DNA sequence and
resistant bacteria usually have only one of these genes. The sul3 gene was detected
in Europe in 2003 in a hospital patient and, until now, has not been found in other
countries. We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify the sul genes in
bacteria isolated from U.S. rivers. The pertinent findings are as follows: 1. all 3
sul genes were identified in the isolated bacteria with sul1 being the most prevalent
followed by sul2 and sul3, respectively; 2. the sul1 gene was harbored on a plasmid
(a piece of DNA separate from the chromosome). The location of sul2 and sul3 genes
is under investigation. Our results demonstrate that the sul3 gene has been
identified in this country for the first time. The origin of this unique gene remains
to be determined.
#38 Changes in Cardiovascular Values as a Result of Marathon Training
Brinton Baker, Adam Weaver
Mentor:
Tracy Wagner, Biology
We have been collecting data from participants in a marathon training program to
observe benefits of training on resting heart rate, blood pressure and VO2 max. This
program entails exercising with the class three days/week with an additional one to
two personal workouts. Individuals involved in this training will build up to 30-50
miles/week with the goal of running a half (13.1) or full marathon (26.1) miles.
This cardiovascular training should reduce resting heart rate and blood pressure
while increasing VO2 max (a measure of how much oxygen the body can remove from the
blood.) Our hypothesis is that the greatest change in these variables will be seen
in individuals with little cardiovascular exercise history. A second part of this
study is to observe the effects of age on response to the marathon training program.
It is hypothesized that older individuals will require more time to see improvements
in these cardiovascular variables.
#39 An Examination of Characteristics that Predict Homophobia
Romualdo R. Chavez, Melissa Linquist, Lydia Christine Parker
Mentor:
Susan R. Burns, Psychology
In the past few years, violence towards homosexuals has been an issue that causes
great concern. Homophobia, one possible explanation for this violence, is a
controversial topic that warrants investigation. Fifty-six undergraduate students
completed a packet of six surveys to examine how personality type, intrinsic and
extrinsic religious orientation, gender characteristics, aggression and demographic
variables predict homophobic attitudes. Results indicate that participants' sex,
religiosity orientation, personality characteristics and hypermasculinity
differentially predicted homophobia. Conclusions and implications are discussed.
Findings from this project will help shed light on what personal characteristics are
related to homophobic attitudes and behavior.
#40 Finding the 'Root' of the Problem
Sean A. VanDyke
Mentor:
Kevin Charlwood, Mathematics & Statistics
A demonstration of the uses of the Newton-Raphson and Secant methods in finding roots
of polynomial and non-polynomial equations and where these methods fail.
#41 (WTE) The Effects of Gum Chewing on Recall Performance
Dustin E. Haverkamp
Mentor:
Joanne Altman, Psychology
Many people believe chewing gum aids in smoking cessation, weight loss, and
relaxation. Wrigley Company claims that chewing their gum can increase memory
performance. This study investigated whether chewing gum improves memory recall for
chewing-related words, food words, or all words, as Wrigley's claims.
#42 (WTE) Investigation into Bullets Degraded by Blood
Nicholas D. Wilson
Mentor:
Stephen Angel, Chemistry
Degradation of bullet surfaces occurs when bullets are stored in blood. Loss of
class and/or individual bullet characteristics, necessary for definitive
identification, is studied as a function of time in which the bullet remains in the
blood and as a function of current law enforcement practices of evidential bullet
packaging/storage. Initial results show that in as little as four weeks, bullets
resting in blood could potentially show enough degradation to prevent a positive
identification.
#43 Solving n-Queens using a Genetic Algorithm
Richard Eastridge
Mentor:
Cecil Schmidt, Computer Information Sciences
Applying genetic algorithm techniques to the classic n-Queens problem illustrates
the effectiveness and power of using an evolutionary approach to constraint
satisfaction problems. According to John R. Koza, the natural evolutionary process
involves the following: an entity has the ability to reproduce itself, there is a
population of self-reproducing entities, there is some variety among the entities,
and some difference in survivability associated with the variety. When applied to
problem-solving, genetic algorithms provide a means to emulate the natural
evolutionary process in an attempt to reach an acceptable solution. This research
reports on the computationally intelligent application of the natural evolutionary
process towards the solving of the n-Queens problem.
#44 C. Wright Mills and Elite Pluralism
Tim Traynor
Mentor:
Maria Raicheva-Stover, Mass Media
C. W. Mills' ideas challenged the status quo of power and leadership in America.
Looking at Mills' original work, this paper focuses on what elite pluralism is, it's
link to mass media, and what its limitations are.
#45 (WTE) In Situ Generation of Borane for the Reduction of Nitriles to Primary Amines
Janet M. Brunton
Mentor:
Shaun E. Schmidt, Chemistry
A tetrahydrofuran (THF) catalyzed borane adduct reduction methodology has been
developed for the reduction of nitriles to primary amines. The reductive borane is
generated in situ using LiBH4 and CH3I, and is facilitated by less than
stoiciometric amounts of anhydrous THF in a non-polar solvent. The reaction is
conducted under an inert atmosphere at 65oC and is followed by a standard acid/base
workup. Primary amine products are pure as exhibited by 1H NMR.
#46 (WTE) The Effects of Relationship Status on College Students' Life Satisfaction
Ashley L. Nabb
Mentor:
Pamelyn M. MacDonald, Psychology
This study investigates the relationship between college students' relationship
status (married, seriously dating or single) and their self-reported life
satisfaction as measure by the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Students also
self-report their involvement in college activities and academic success as measured
by GPA. It is expected that married students or students in a serious dating
relationship will have higher life satisfaction but lower participation in college
activities and less academic success.
Oral Presentations - Henderson Room 103
1:30 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Lies My Uncle Told Me: Walter Cronkite Did Not Live His Broadcasting Philosophy
ReAnne R. Utemark
Mentor:
Alan Bearman, History
Walter Cronkite was a trusted newsman for CBS news. He began his career as a war
correspondent in World War II. After stepping into the lead anchorman spot, he
reported on several impactful events in America. In particular, he reported on the
military action in Vietnam. However, in this instance, Cronkite stepped away from
his objective journalism standards. Cronkite continues to discuss his ideals in
regard to reporting, which are sometimes contrary to what he actually practiced
while he was an active reporter.
An Endeavor to Further the Naturalization of Whitehead's Metaphysics
Jeremy C. DeLong
Mentor:
Jorge Nobo, Philosophy - Religion
This project is an examination of previous philosophical attempts to naturalize
(i.e.--remove God) from Alfred N. Whitehead's metaphysics, along with suggestions
for how a successful naturalization may finally be achieved. My position is that
previous attempts at naturalization have either: 1.) focused upon superfluous
religious aspects of Whitehead's God, which in no way eliminate the secular function
of God as a metaphysical construct (whether worthy of the name 'God' or not)
necessary for Whitehead's system, and/or 2.) are too far removed from Whitehead's
own position as to really qualify as a naturalization of Whitehead's own
metaphysics. I believe Whitehead's metaphysical system may be successfully
naturalized by positing an evolutionary force inherent in the cosmos that drives
process and becoming at its most basic level.
Mapping Kansas Literature
Miranda A. Ericsson
Mentor:
Thomas Averill, English
This project began in the class Mapping Kansas Literature. The course required
students to research Kansas authors and poets of their choice and create web pages
that tell about their lives, work, and connections with Kansas. Each page is part of
a larger site, 'Map of Kansas Literature,' which is connected to the Center for
Kansas Studies web site. I was required to do two pages for the class, and created
five during the semester. I will demonstrate the way this network of pages will help
those doing research, as well as all of the curious, to quickly learn information
about a given author or poet, and share the contents of the pages that I created.
Generative and Interactive Art (WTE)
Branton K. Davis
Mentor:
Azyz Sharafy, Art
Over the past year, I have been exploring the combination of art with mathematics
and computer programming. I would like to display a collection of my generative
works on a computer display, where visitors can interact with them via a control
panel attached to a computer.
When Necessity Becomes the Mother of Protest: The Dirty War and the Mothers of Plaza
De Mayo in Argentina
Julia Bond
Mentor:
Alan Bearman, History
Between 1976 and 1983, the people of Argentina witnessed the effects of a government
ruled by a military junta often likened to that of Nazi Germany. During this seven
year period, the military 'disappeared' over 30000 individuals. Not only were these
individuals the victims of torture and murder but their lives and the evidence of
their existence were systematically destroyed. In 1977, The Mothers of the Plaza de
Mayo overcame their fear of the military and omnipresent secret police force to
protest in public peaceably the disappearance of their children. The Mothers
protested even as no one else said a word about flagrant human rights abuses taking
place right before their eyes. This historiographical essay analyzes the
publications on the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo. My analysis of secondary
literature on the topic focuses upon the political achievements of the Mothers,
their nonviolent protests, and the historical implications of their organization in
Argentina.
Oral Presentations - Henderson Room 104
1:30 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Til Defect Do Us Part: Marriage, Church and Eugenics
L.R. Potter
Mentor:
Kim Morse, History
In 1859, Charles Darwin published Origin of Species. Out of his ideals came the
concept of survival of the fittest. Darwin's theories became popular among scientists
conducting experiments in order to dissect the complexities of heredity. By the
beginning of the twentieth century, the popularity of Social Darwinism spread
throughout the United States and sparked the establishment of the eugenics movement.
Supported by a large and vocal majority of American churches, eugenics gained
momentum and credibility as science and religion united in order to validate the
idea of racial purity.
Washburn University Law School Government Documents
Dee Barker, Keith Rhea, Cindy Wulfkuhle
Mentor:
Nan Sun, Computer Information Sciences
The Washburn Law Library has been maintaining a database of government documents
received from GPO as a depository but the librarians at the library do not have
access to the database. Therefore, when a student or patron wants to know if we have
a particular document, they need to go out to the shelves and look for the document.
It would be more productive to be able to look in the database and know if the
document is supposed to be on the shelf or not. Our project's purpose is to make the
database searchable through a web interface, so the librarians and students will
spend less time and effort searching for documents that are not in the Washburn's
collection. This project is a practical application making an unwieldy document
search to be done with ease now. Before more often than not documents were not used
as no one realized they were available. The solution our team has come up with is
both easy to use and maintain by the library staff.
Capital Punishment: Kill and be Killed
Timothy P. Leffert
Mentor:
Steve Cann, Political Science - Geography
Since the adoption of the first death penalty statute there has been controversy and
a reliance on statistics. Historically many studies have been done on capital
punishment with widely varying results. The study performed here is a time series
analysis of the capital punishment policy in the United States and its effect on
murder rates. This analysis takes a look at yearly crime rates dating from 1976 to
2004 and the number of states that had adopted the policy each year of the study.
The testable hypothesis being that as more states adopt capital punishment statutes
the national murder rate will decrease. After collecting data of policy adoption and
yearly murder statistics reported by the Uniform Crime Report the study shows a
correlation between the number of states that adopted the policy and the national
murder rate.
On Plato and John Calvin
Stephen E. Young
Mentor:
David Freeman, Political Science - Geography
This is a political theory paper I wrote for PO275. It is a compare and contrast
paper on Plato and John Calvin. In it I describe their individual strengths and
weaknesses followed by a personal critique.
Simone De Beauvoir's Existentialist Ethics
William F. Olliso
Mentor:
Jorge Nobo, Philosophy - Religion
It is my purpose in these pages to discuss Simone de Beauvoir's account of an
existentialist ethics as presented in her work The Ethics of Ambiguity. I will show
that de Beauvoir's existentialist philosophy does not provide a satisfactory basis
for an ethical system. Using phenomenological description as the groundwork for her
philosophy and ethics, she ignores and fails to incorporate many important truths of
science. By neglecting important findings of biology, ecology, and physics results in
an ethics with a very limited scope, and fails insofar as it makes unnecessary
prohibitions and fails to address areas of great importance to the world today.
Oral Presentations - Henderson Room 118
1:30 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Racism Towards African Americans During WWII (WTE)
Lydia Christine Parker
Mentor:
Rachel Goossen, History
During World War II, many Americans made sacrifices and gave up their lives to ensure
freedom for our country. However, many African-Americans during World War II had to
fight two wars. They were willing to fight for their country, but at the same time
they had to give up their dignity and endure cruelty from their fellow white
soldiers. This essay examines how African Americans were treated by communities and
their fellow soldiers.
Remember the Alamo but Forget the Mexicans: Adina de Zavala, the Alamo, and the
Reconstruction of Mexican-American Identity
Laura Higbee
Mentor:
Kim Morse, History
Through the process of the creation of the Alamo myth and the salvation of the
building, Adina De Zavala portrayed independence as a process of Anglo-insurgency,
and not the culmination of combined efforts of Anglos and Texas-Mexicans. In doing
so, she removed the Texas-Mexican influence from the official history of the war for
Texas independence and changed her own identity as a Mexican-American.
The Land That Time Forgot: A Brief Historiography of Indus Civilization
Joseph A. Heschmeyer
Mentor:
Thomas Prasch, History
The first known civilization to use billboards was also one of the first to practice
dentistry, use standardized weights in commerce, and have grid-based architecture.
More surprisingly, this entire civilization was completely lost until the Nineteenth
Century, and remains largely an enigma to this day. That culture was the Harappan,
or Indus Valley, Civilization, one of the earliest known civilizations on Earth.
Considered the 'fourth river' culture (along with the early Nile-, Tigris-, and
Euphrates-based cultures), the Indus Civilization stands in contrast to many of our
preconceptions about what a culture should or must look like. Due to changing
cultural attitudes of scholars investigating the civilization, the Indus Valley
Civilization has been massively re-conceptualized in the realms of city planning,
governance, religion, the peacefulness of the state, the role 'Aryan invaders'
played in the civilization's twilight and the ultimate cause of the civilization's
collapse.
The Murder of Emmett Till: The Response of the National Media and the Emergence of
the Modern Civil Rights Movement
Danielle J. Van Laeys
Mentor:
Alan Bearman, History
The media coverage of Emmett Till's funeral and trial altered white Americans'
perceptions of African Americans' rights and created a turning point in the modern
Civil Rights Movement. Before the murder of Till the Civil Rights Movement was a
largely African American movement. With the coverage of Till's funeral and trial,
white Americans joined African Americans in their quest for equality. The brutal
killing of the fourteen-year-old Till on August 28, 1955 was different than other
killings of the era because of the media attention garnered by the trial. While
Brown v Board of Education paved the way for Civil Rights one year earlier, the
portrayal of Till's dead body led white Americans to join African Americans in the
cry for justice. The media's role in the trial was crucial. Reporters found and
protected witnesses, risked their safety for a story, presented a tragedy that white
Americans could also sympathize with, and urged all people, to do something to
change prejudices.
The Battle for Tradition: Society of St. Pius X in St. Mary's, Kansas
Jess L. Rezac
Mentor:
Alan Bearman, History
Following the Second Vatican Council, Roman Catholics beginning in 1965 faced a
series of seemingly radical changes to their Church's dogma. While the formation of
SSPX impacted the entire Roman Catholic world it was especially pivotal in one
Kansas community. In St. Mary's, Kansas, SSPX purchased the campus of St. Mary's
College in 1978, and founded St. Mary's Academy and College, an educational facility
capable of educating students grades K-12, while also continuing as a small liberal
arts college. The arrival of SSPX changed the pre-existing Catholic community of the
region. Through original research, I examine SSPX's experience within St. Mary's,
tracing both the religious adaptations and the secular role that SSPX members played
in the community. In addition, I examine the transformation of the Church of the
Immaculate Conception in response to the arrival of the traditionalist SSPX faction
within its community.
The War within a World War: Einstein's Struggle between Science, Morality, Politics,
and Religion
Amy D. Billinger
Mentor:
Alan Bearman, History
Albert Einstein's meaning of life was rooted in the existence of fellow man. His
actions and words demonstrated his passionate desire to establish a peaceful
existence for every government and individual. Nuclear energy, he believed,
sabotaged all attempts at global unification. He considered only one path possible
for peace, a world government that surpassed national sovereignty. He predicted
without such a government, each nation would continue to fight for power. Peace could
only exist if each nation pursued the good of the whole. His humanistic philosophies
portrayed his aversion to war which, he explains, only harm the progression of
humanity. Einstein's ardent longing for human solidarity formed his political,
religious, moral, and scientific thoughts, thus, revealing his fervent opposition to
the atomic bomb.
Oral Presentations - Henderson Room 203
1:30 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Art Making as a Social System: Functional Outcomes of Prison Art Programs
Kathryn Cook
Mentor:
John Paul, Sociology - Anthropology
The paper is an examination of prison art programs and the utilitarian and symbolic
functions they perform within correctional settings. Of these functional activities
we find generally, that 'art-making' makes many of the transitions to and from
incarceration easier. More specifically, we find evidence that art-based programs
reduce rule violations among prisoners and build better (safer) relationships
between inmates and staff by fostering, among many things, purposive time
management, cooperative group work, and empathy for work partners. Beyond this, this
work also highlights various controversies associated with the funding of prison art
programs and suggests, in the end, a revision of correctional logics to include art
activities for prisoners.
Legend Tripping as Field Research: Investigating the Connection of 'Satanic Tourism'
to Juvenile Delinquency
Virginia M. Adame, Kofi A Boye-Doe, Juna L Green, Jill M. Schalansky, Cale Michael Urban
Mentor:
Gordon Crews, Criminal Justice - Military Science
Fine and Victor (1994) define 'legend trips' as delinquent juvenile activities at
sites associated with some tragic event, rumored to be supernatural or related to
the occult. 'Satanic tourism' is a type of legend trip characterized by involvement
in pseudo-Satanic/occult behavior, such as drawing pentagrams, writing epithets, and
burning candles. A juvenile may visit a geographic location such as an abandoned
church, historic graveyard, or reputedly 'haunted' site, and engage in mischievous,
destructive, or 'ritualistic' behaviors as 'rites of passage'. These activities,
which often are relatively harmless and conducted primarily for juvenile thrills,
may be perceived by law enforcement and the larger community as threatening and
dangerous. This presentation of student research was a requirement of a weekend
workshop entitled 'Goth and Occult Influence on Juvenile Violence,' includes photos
and stories of legend trip sites and associated juvenile delinquency in Topeka,
Kansas.
The Relationship Between Unemployment and Crime
Samantha S. Cooper
Mentor:
David Freeman, Political Science - Geography
Studies have shown that crime rates rise and fall with unemployment. Policies
designed to create long-term employment for young people have been enacted to combat
crime. Such policies are designed to increase jobs in inner city areas, and have
yielded a direct, positive effect on crime rates. It is important that accurate
studies be conducted that will result in a better understanding of crime and its
causes. So are these policies working? Or should the attention be focused elsewhere?
No Monkey Business: H.L. Mencken's Criticism of The Scopes Trial and its
Fundamentalist Underpinnings
Jennifer L. Mills
Mentor:
Alan Bearman, History
An enlightened cynic of the 1920s, journalist Henry Louis Mencken was an ardent
skeptic of religion. His most famous works were his articles that covered the Scopes
Trial of 1925, published in the Baltimore Evening Sun. This landmark case, which
embodied Protestant Fundamentalism, allowed Mencken to exemplify his self-appointed
role as watchdog and reformer of social thought. His purposes in writing were two
fold: To cover the Scopes Trial and to discredit Protestant Fundamentalism in the
minds of his fellow Americans. Mencken crippled the Fundamentalist theology with his
pen by altering the American perception of Fundamentalists and calling for decisive
action to see the movement to its grave. He undeniably achieved this goal through
the written word. However, despite his effective and prolific prose, his work was not
without fault. Mencken wrongly characterized Fundamentalism, its followers, and its
fate during the summer of 1925.
Parental Controls and Gun Possession by Juveniles: Stopping Youth Gun Violence
Before it Begins
Chris J. Keary
Mentor:
Phyllis Berry, Criminal Justice - Military Science
The choice by a juvenile to possess a gun can be influenced by many factors. One of
those factors should be their parents. Parents play an important role in the
socialization process of their children, including the development of pro-social or
delinquent attitudes. This research hypothesizes that effective parenting, through
parental control and discipline, will have an impact on the decision of juveniles to
regularly possess a gun. The hypothesis is tested using secondary data analysis of
data originally collected from juvenile traffic offenders in Little Rock, Arkansas in
1992. Statistical analysis was performed and statistically significant correlations
were found; however, the hypothesis was not fully confirmed since not all
correlations were in the expected direction.
Martin Luther King and Nonviolent Resistance: The Evolution of a Legacy
Haley A. Pollock
Mentor:
Alan Bearman, History
Americans remember Martin Luther King, Jr. for his eloquence and leadership as an
advocate for civil rights. Most recognize that King believed in peaceful resistance
and condemned acts of violence. However, too often society assumes King received his
inspiration from only religion. Few realize that his powerful message resulted from
both deep, spiritual reflection and rigorous, academic study. This paper explores
three main influences of King's philosophies: his upbringing, education, and
religion. Understanding the relationship between these forces provides valuable
insight on the development of King's famous campaign for nonviolent resistance.
Oral Presentations - Henderson Room 204
1:30 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Why Israel: America's Stake In The Middle East
Thaddaeus Joel Gassie
Mentor:
David Freeman, Political Science - Geography
The United States' affiliation with Israel is an issue that has elicited considerable
debate. America has sustained this camaraderie in spite of how unpopular Israel can
be, especially in the eyes of the rest of the Arab Middle East. There are several
historiographical approaches as to why America has consistently placed its bets on
Israel, some attempting to explain the bond, others trying to herald an unpopular
opinion, and still others rationalizing issues such as those aforementioned that
naturally arise from the U.S.--Israel alliance. This is a historiography of these
approaches, categorized into three groups: the effect of cultural narratives on
public policy, the effect of religious belief, and the alliance as a function of
Israel being a strategic political asset. My attempt in this historiography is to
ascertain which approach most strongly represents the peculiar case of America's
political identity with her ally Israel.
An Analysis of Augustine and Averroes
Kevin J. Mullinix
Mentor:
David Freeman, Political Science - Geography
This presentation is based upon an in-depth analysis of the works of the political
thinkers Augustine and Averroes. It will highlight key components of their
backgrounds, motivations, and political ideas. This examination of the writings of
these two different men can help one achieve a better understanding of the
philosophical concepts of reason, faith, justice, civic virtue, and civil society.
This presentation will also examine strengths and weaknesses of each political
thinker as well as suggestions for their relevance and significance in politics
today.
Hell Yes I Can Vote: Alice Paul and the Struggle for the Nineteenth Amendment
Sadye Jane Mages
Mentor:
Alan Bearman, History
Equality is a word that has been argued about for as long as many historians can
remember. To many passive Americans, this word is taken for granted. It is a word on
a page in the dictionary that is overlooked like so many others. On the contrary, to
the passionate Americans equality has a deeper meaning than any expert or
intellectual could ever annotate. It is an opportunity and a dream. To women like
Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Carrie Chapman Catt and Alice Paul it was
a vision, and mere life itself. These women went to bed each night and woke up each
morning with one aim. That aim was to earn women the 'right' to vote in America. It
was a one hundred and forty seven year struggle before women were finally able to
vote. That one hundred and forty seven years should never be undermined or forgotten
because it paved the way for the Nineteenth Amendment, equality, and the 'American
Dream' itself.
Eleanor Roosevelt and Her Impact on the Presidency
Chelsea Elizabeth Anne Chaney
Mentor:
Alan Bearman, History
Few First Ladies were as influential as Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor's social and
political action contributed greatly to Franklin D. Roosevelt's successful
administrations.
Drafting of the Declaration of Independence: The Birth of A New Nation
Alice L. Hughes
Mentor:
Alan Bearman, History
This paper is a historical analysis of the drafting of the Declaration of
Independence with an emphasis on the influence of the writings of John Locke and
George Mason on Thomas Jefferson.
Studies of Advanced Industrial Society: The Case of the Screaming Skulls
Eugene Constantin Stone
Mentor:
Alan Bearman, History
In contemporary society, the medical-industrial community has established the ideal
of 'normal' behavior in individuals. This standard is a reflection of the modal
behaviors exhibited by the aggregate of society. Individuals who deviate from
certain social norms are characterized as anxious, maladjusted, or neurotic. If an
individual can be found 'neurotic', is it possible to make a claim of social
neuroses, where the whole of society exhibits behaviors that can be construed as
abnormal? More importantly, what frame of reference would be used to establish that
the bulk of civilization is suffering from a communal form of neuroses? The
comparative background from which a diagnosis of social neuroses can be made exists,
but it resides just below our senses.
Oral Presentations - Henderson Room 207
1:30 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Childbirth in Sequestration: Shared Meaning of the Perinatal Experience for Amish
Women Living in Yoder, Kansas (WTE)
Haley S. Smith
Mentor:
Marilyn Masterson, School of Nursing
The experience of childbirth is a deeply human event that must be understood through
the rich and textured cultural identity of the transitioning family. One particular
religo-cultural group, the Old Order Amish, remain largely sequestered from
mainstream society maintaining a unique spiritual and cultural identity that impacts
all aspects of daily life, including the seminal transition of motherhood. A
descriptive qualitative study was designed and implemented in the Amish hub of
Yoder, Kansas to discover the meaning of the childbearing experience for Amish women
at a local birthing center. Through rich descriptive inquiry, the researcher was
able to discover seven themes that illuminate the Amish childbearing experience as
it pertains to spirituality, culture, and healthcare practices. Such knowledge will
add to the developing body of literature providing nurses with a rich context from
which to view childbirth, illuminating the multilayered texture of this deeply human
experience.
Influence of Olfactory Perception on Gap Passability (WTE)
April Lynn Tallerico
Mentor:
Mike Russell, Psychology
Previous studies have looked at the ability of humans to perceive gap passability
based on vision, auditory and haptic conditions. Presently, however, there have been
no studies that have looked at gap passability in regards to olfactory perception.
The present study will attempt to determine the extent to which observers can
accurately gauge whether a gap affords passage. Participants were Washburn
University students enrolled in introductory psychology classes and assigned to one
of two conditions, vision or olfactory. Common sense suggests that the accuracy of
participant judgments will be more accurate in the vision condition than in the
olfactory condition. The findings will be interpreted in terms of J.J. Gibson's
notion of the partial equivalences of perceptual systems.
The Impact of Budget Cuts on the Role of School Nursing in a Midwestern School District
Shannon L. Cederlind
Mentor:
Gail Ciesielski, School of Nursing
A descriptive study was done to examine the experiences of healthcare providers in a
post-budget cut environment through qualitative analyses of written surveys. The
study looked at how registered nurses (RNs), licensed practicing nurses (LPNs) and
health aides in a Midwestern school district describe how their roles have change
after a recent change in staffing and funding. Two surveys were administered and
written statements were analyzed on aspects of school nursing such as delegation,
health education, support, services provided and changes in job description.
Uncontrollability and Inescapability: Causes and Preventions of Learned Helplessness
Robert Charles Carrigan
Mentor:
Michael McGuire, Psychology
The phenomenon of learned helplessness is defined as a psychological problem, much
like depression, which results from repeated failure in several situations, be it in
academic or athletic situations. This review not only gives the audience a
background on the history of learned helplessness but also provides possible causes
and solutions that can help prevent and aid those individuals who suffer from
learned helplessness. The primary focus rests on children between the ages of eight
and fourteen. Finally this review ventures into possible holes in the current
learned helplessness research and the direction that future studies should follow.
The Effects of Minority Student Engagement on College Satisfaction
LaNise D. Babb
Mentor:
Joanne Altman, Psychology
Minority students are more likely to be disengaged and less satisfied with the
university experience than majority students. Stress from academic obligations,
minority status, limited social networks, family issues, finances, and adjustment
difficulties often hinder multiethnic student involvement and college satisfaction.
In the present study, the level of university student engagement is examined, as
research suggests that involvement in college has a positive influence on university
satisfaction. The results will explore whether an increase in minority student
engagement on campus will increase their overall college satisfaction.
Hidden Foundation of the Invisible Empire: The Role of Honor in the Second Ku Klux Klan
Bethany R. Mowry
Mentor:
Alan Bearman, History
To understand the actions of the Ku Klux Klan of 1920s America one must understand
the mindset of its members, which the Klan delivered to the public in verbal and
written addresses. What makes comprehension of the Klan mindset unique and
challenging is the difference between its internal and external publications. To the
'alien' world the Klan emphasized patriotism, Protestantism, disdain and distrust of
the Catholic and the Jew and an ethnocentric ideology which promoted the interests
of the white, Anglo-Saxon Protestant male. Yet its internal documents, while
maintaining the importance of these tenets, dwelled more heavily on the concept of
honor than those for public consumption. Patriotism, Protestantism, and native white
superiority held prime importance in the public image perpetrated by the second Ku
Klux Klan, but these ideals rested firmly upon and grew from the personal importance
of honor to Klansmen.
Oral Presentations - Henderson Room 217
1:30 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Preference Estimation Using Computerized Collaborative Filtering
Renchar R. Delacruz, Ethan R. Fincham, Melinda J. Holman, Joshua D. Knox, Darin Stelting
Mentor:
Nan Sun, Computer Information Sciences
The Netflix Prize invites teams or individuals to attempt to improve on Netflix's
recommender system. As participants in the Netflix Prize competition, we attempt to
predict the preferences of movie renters based on past behavior. Analyzing data
provided by Netflix, we examine the behavior of other customers who have expressed
similar preferences by rating movies. Once the data has been organized in a MySQL
database, we apply machine learning principles to recognize patterns of behavior.
When a pattern is identified among user ratings, we can make a prediction about how a
customer will rate a movie.
Identifying Barriers and Opportunities within Highly Competitive Office Supply Market
through New Six Sigma Methodology
Cheryl Butler
Mentor:
Dave DePue, Office, Legal, & Technology
As in most markets today, competition is fierce. The U.S. office supply industry is
estimated to be worth $323 billion and continues to grow annually. The home office
market is expected to grow from a $38.7 million market in 2001 to almost $50 million
by 2005. Office supplies is the generic term that refers to all supplies regularly
used in offices by businesses and other organizations, from private citizens to
governments, who work with the collection, refinement, and output of information. In
2003, OfficeMax, Inc. began the transformation from predominately manufacturing-based
company to independent office products distribution. In this case study, we will
apply Six Sigma methodology linking customer requirements to an organization's
mission, vision, strategic objectives and metrics which translates to organizational
knowledge and improved decision-making. The outcome will be the identification of
barriers and opportunities for management and other stakeholders at OfficeMax, Inc.
Web-based Quest Game Project
Mukhtar Farid, Johnathan A. King, Timothy J. O'Neal, Jacob S. Prewett
Mentor:
Nan Sun, Computer Information Sciences
This Computer Information Systems Capstone project is an online game in which
registered users can connect via the internet and play. First, the user will connect
to the site and log into the home page. The user will then be redirected to the
initial game web page, which has the main quest description and a variety of
locations for the user to choose from. These locations include a castle, ruins, an
island, an arctic area, a swamp, a cave, a mountain and a forest.
Digial Educators: A Literature Review of Digital Game-based Learning for Students
Kristine Faith Appleton
Mentor:
Michael McGuire, Psychology
As technology quickly advances the number of hours a student plays digital games is
expected to increase as well. On average, a 21 year old has played approximately
10,000 hours of digital games (Prensky 2001). Digital games, for the purpose of this
talk, can be defined as computer games, video games and online games. With the
increase in the interest of gaming effects on children's behavior, there arose
controversy about the impact of gaming on students. One contention has been focus on
the adverse effects that gaming has on students' behavior (Brady 2006). The focus of
this talk is to review literature that highlights the more positive effects that
gaming has on students' academic performance. Additionally, the potential of gaming
to enhance learning will be reviewed.
Funding a New Revolution: DR-CAFTA's Effect on the Nicaraguan Economy
Lacey R. Keller
Mentor:
Dmitri Nizovtsev, School of Business
Free trade agreements, such as the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA or
DR-CAFTA), often are highly politicized, hotly contested, and complicated. In
theory, such a trade agreement should make the Nicaraguan and the United States'
economies better off than before CAFTA's implementation. Yet, in actuality, the
implications of this treaty are muddled due to the lack of empirical data and the
prevalence of biased personal opinions. This paper discusses how CAFTA affects the
Nicaraguan economy through the balancing of background and empirical data, opinions
of free trade experts and international leaders, and personal experience.
A Communicative Analysis of the Problem of High Turnover in Public Accounting Firms
Paige Renee Pfannenstiel
Mentor:
Pat Kosinar, Communication
Public accounting firms are plagued with the problem of high turnover. This study
explores the causes of high turnover in accounting firms and concomitantly, the
effect of this turnover on assimilation and socialization in such firms. The study
focuses on the vital role of communication in this situation as it affects the
factors leading to the high turnover rate and the firms' responses. The analysis is
grounded in communication theories which describe and explain the current situation,
as well as predict what may happen in the future for these firms.
Oral Presentations - Henderson Room 304
1:30 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
The Effect of Substrate and Contact Points on Snake Locomotion
JoHanna Suzanne Peterson
Mentor:
Bruce Young, Biology
Snakes have been classified as 'active foragers' or 'sit and wait foragers' based on
their size and behavior. Sit and wait foragers are heavy-bodied snakes that capture
prey using venom or constriction. Previous studies on slender species, have
demonstrated that differences in the substrate and contact points available have an
influence on the snake's movement. This study looked at differences in substrate and
contact points and the influences they had on a larger snake, the yellow anaconda. A
filming platform was made out of plywood. Using video cameras and image analysis
software, the locomotion of the snake was quantified while moving over both low and
high friction substrates. Contact points were also incorporated at different
spacings. This study confirmed the finding of distinct gaits in snakes, and showed
that locomotor mechanics are distinct in larger heavy-bodied snakes.
Locomotor Mechanics of Varanid Lizards: An Aquatic Perspective
Ashley Renee Lawrence
Mentor:
Bruce A. Young, Biology
Terrestrial locomotion in varanid (monitor) lizards, and indeed all lizards, is
characterized by a sinusoidal lateral displacement of the body. Experimental work
has shown that the lateral displacements of the body are not produced by the axial
muscles (those muscles running along the lateral and dorsal surface of the vertebral
column) but rather by the hypaxial muscles in the abdominal region. Though the axial
muscles do not function to bend the body laterally, they contract during locomotion
in a temporal pattern coincident with the footfall pattern. Several hypotheses for
the role of these axial muscles during locomotion have been advanced, most dealing
with general gravitational support of the body. We explored the contractile pattern
of the axial muscles of varanids during swimming, a form of locomotion in which the
vertebral column no longer functions in gravitational support.
The Diversity of Aquatic Locomotor Mechanics in Snakes and Monitor Lizards
Anna L. Fahey
Mentor:
Bruce Young, Biology
There is a general consensus that monitor lizards (Varanus) are the phylogenetic
sister-group to snakes and that the large marine lizards, the Mosasaurs, are closely
related to the monitor lizards. There is little known about the transitions between
these major groups. This study was intended to explore one aspect of these
transitions, that being the change in aquatic locomotor mechanics. Using standard
and high-speed digital video, as well as electromyography, we document the mode of
aquatic locomotion in a 'primitive' snake (the yellow anaconda, Eunectes notaeus).
We also describe two different modes of aquatic locomotion in monitor lizards, one
from largely aquatic taxa (water monitors and nile monitors) and the other from a
terrestrial taxon (savannah monitor). Comparing these three modes offers insight
into the potential role of limbs in the early evolution of Mosasaurs, and the likely
mechanical transition from a lizard-like to a serpentine form of locomotion.
Sensory-Motor Integration during Venom 'Spitting' in Cobras
Melissa A Boetig
Mentor:
Bruce Young, Biology
To examine how a cobra is able to 'spit' at a moving target, we used an integrated
array of multi-plane accelerometers, high-speed digital videography, and
electromyography. Our analyses suggest that the spitting behavior consists of three
key sequential components: 1) the cobra makes slight head movements that allow it to
track the movements of the target; 2) an abrupt 'head jerk' on the part of the
target provokes the onset of venom expulsion, or 'spitting;' and 3) the cobra makes
rapid cephalic movements that allow the cobra to disperse its venom in anticipation
of the target's movements.
Performances - Mulvane Art Gallery
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sacrament: A Monologue
Sabrina M. Goss
Mentor:
Penny Weiner, Theatre
An unnamed man is haunted by indecision as he attempts to confess his sins to a
priest he cannot see or hear. The man never was Catholic, though he might have gone
to Sunday school. He can't really remember now. Small details often escape him, like
precisely why he brought his girlfriend's young daughter with him when he left and
where he plans to go. He is trying to remember the difference between good and evil
and seeking assurance that not all of his decisions have been wrong.
Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics
David Bury
Mentor:
Penny Weiner, Theatre
Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics is a new play that I'm working on. I feel as though
the playwriting process is a (neverending?) ongoing process, so I'm using Apeiron as
an opportunity to improve upon my work with this play. Hearing the work through the
mouths of readers is something that emerging playwrights don't often have the luxury
of and can be immensely helpful in refining the play.
The '4'N Harmony' Become Five (WTE)
Carlos Cabezas, Samuel Cho, Nathan D. Mark, Amanda Joy Mayo, Lindsay Paul, Zac Snyder
Mentor:
Steven Elisha, Music
The presentation of the quintets will have duality in performance and oral. Brahms,
and Dvorak quintets will be featured. Orally, information on the structure of the
pieces as well as the ensembles' organization is influenced by a fifth member. Aspects
of music will be woven into the structure of the piece and quintet, including on how
the sound is affected.
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