Celebration of Student
Research Conference
April 20, 2010
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
9:00
8:45
8:30
8:15
8:00
7:45
7:30
7:15
7:00
6:45
6:30
6:15
6:00
5:45
5:30
5:15
5:00
4:45
4:30
4:15
4:00
3:45
3:30
3:15
3:00
PM
6:00 to 7:30PM
Poster
Session II
Refreshments
Provided
3:30 to 5:00PM
Poster
Session I
MPR
7:30 to 9:00PM
Drenovsky
6:00 to 7:30PM
Myers
3:15 to 6:00PM
Predecki
Orndorff Theater
4:00 to 9:00PM
Odhiambo
3:00 to 4:00PM
Write the Ship
Lounges B&C
6:00 to 7:00PM
Lesman
4:45 to 5:45PM
Dagnes
3:00 to 4:30PM
Lee
215
6:00 to 7:00PM
Independent Panel
#8
4:30 to 6:00PM
Braun
3:00 to 4:30PM
Library Research
Awards Ceremony
216
5:00 to 7:00PM
Montouri
4:00 to 5:00 PM
Flagler
3:00 to 4:00PM
Fisher
217
Renault
219-221
5:00 to 7:00PM
Clay/Burg
3:00 to 5:00PM
Celebration of Student Research Conference
Schedule of Events
April 20, 2010
6:00 to 7:00PM
Independent Panel
#7
5:00 to 6:00PM
Independent Panel
#5
4:00 to 5:00PM
Independent Panel
#2
3:00 to 4:00PM
Independent Panel
#1
316
5:00 to 7:00PM
Cella
317
6:00 to 7:00PM
Independent Panel
#6
4:30 to 6:00PM
Independent Panel
#4
3:00 to 4:30PM
Independent Panel
#3
318
Table of Contents
From the President...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
From the Provost......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
From the Deans........................................................................................................................................................................... 4
From the Deans........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
On Behalf of the Faculty............................................................................................................................................................. 6
From the College of Arts and Sciences ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Undergraduate Research Committee.......................................................................................................................................... 7
From the Institute for Public Service and Office of Sponsored Programs................................................................................... 8
Celebrating Departmental Conference Panels.......................................................................................................................... 11
Celebrating Individual Oral Presentations................................................................................................................................ 19
Celebrating Poster Sessions I.................................................................................................................................................... 27
Art...................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Biology............................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Chemistry........................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Counseling and College Student Personnel....................................................................................................................... 31
Criminal Justice.................................................................................................................................................................. 31
Economics.......................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Exercise Science................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Finance and Supply Chain Management........................................................................................................................... 33
Geography/Earth Science.................................................................................................................................................. 33
History/Philosophy............................................................................................................................................................ 34
Human Communication Studies....................................................................................................................................... 35
Mathematics....................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Physics................................................................................................................................................................................ 37
Psychology.......................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Social Work/Gerontology.................................................................................................................................................. 39
Sociology/Anthropology.................................................................................................................................................... 41
Celebrating Poster Session II ................................................................................................................................................... 43
Biology............................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Chemistry........................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Computer Science.............................................................................................................................................................. 46
Criminal Justice.................................................................................................................................................................. 47
Economics.......................................................................................................................................................................... 47
Exercise Science................................................................................................................................................................. 48
Geography/Earth Science.................................................................................................................................................. 48
History/Philosophy............................................................................................................................................................ 49
Human Communication Studies....................................................................................................................................... 50
Learning Center................................................................................................................................................................. 53
Physics................................................................................................................................................................................ 53
Psychology.......................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Social Work/Gerontology.................................................................................................................................................. 54
Teacher Education............................................................................................................................................................. 56
Index of Students and Faculty .................................................................................................................................................. 57
1
One of the hallmarks of higher
education is its ability to combine
the theoretical and philosophical
with the practical. While students
gain information, they also have
the chance for experiential learning that may later be used in their
chosen fields.
From the President
A key component of that process
at Shippensburg University is the
student-faculty research program
and the many other research opportunities students have both inside and outside of the classroom. It is this blend of learning experiences that prepares our
students to deal with and live in this rapidly changing world.
One of the many assets of Shippensburg University is the variety and quantity of opportunities available to its students. Be it
in the classroom, in the residence halls, or on the athletic fields,
anywhere students look an opportunity awaits them. One such
opportunity is the participation in the Undergraduate Research
Program. In collaboration with faculty, students are encouraged
to conduct extensive research on a topic of their choice. Such
joint student-faculty research opportunities are one reason why
intellectually curious students choose to attend Shippensburg
University. Teaching and mentoring students are the highest
priorities of our faculty members, who truly enjoy the opportunity to work closely with students conducting research. The
complete Undergraduate Research experience from research
project to public presentation also creates a great competitive
advantage for students when they seek new opportunities, either in graduate programs or employment.
The Celebration of Student Research Conference itself is a
wonderful opportunity. Students and their faculty mentors
have the opportunity to present the results of their collaborative efforts. The university community has the opportunity to
participate in the conference and to learn about the exciting
scholarship taking place at Shippensburg University.
2
The list of advances and changes is amazing, and almost overwhelming. We have new medical technologies that enable doctors to save lives that only years earlier would have been lost.
We can buy music and books and movies, and then carry them
around in our pockets on one of our many mobile electronic
devices. We can blog and tweet and post video about the extraordinary and ordinary things around us and where we would
be without the ubiquitous vehicle or cell phone-based GPS
systems that allow us to find our way anywhere in the world —
without having to ask for directions.
Without research — without that chance to learn and explore — these wonderful advances would still be just a dream
in someone’s mind, waiting to come to fruition. That is why
Shippensburg University has made a long-term commitment to
student research and to joint student-faculty projects. We hope
that the varied dreams of our students and faculty may someday
have the same impact as those of researchers who have gone
before them, both at Shippensburg and elsewhere.
On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to
congratulate all the researchers on their dedication and for the
outcomes produced. Research does not “just happen” – it takes
enormous effort and time. I am glad you seized this particular
opportunity and am sure it is one that will positively affect your
future, no matter which opportunity you choose to seize next.
Scientist Carl Sagan said: “Somewhere, something incredible is
waiting to be known.” That somewhere is Shippensburg University.
William N. Ruud, Ph.D.
President
Engaging in research connects
students to the essential reasons
for the existence of a university.
Universities exist to create, interpret, apply, disseminate, and
even to deconstruct knowledge.
Discovery through creative expression and performance are
also among primary purposes of a
university and mediated engagement in such processes connects
students to the essence of the university.
From the Provost
Doctoral granting institutions labeled as “research extensive”
have at their disposal more obvious resources than do public
comprehensive universities such as Shippensburg. As a result,
individuals may think that both undergraduate and graduate
students are more likely to engage in joint student-faculty research projects at universities considered research powerhouses.
However, public comprehensives like Shippensburg compete
very well and often outstrip these better-resourced institutions
in two areas: teaching innovations (as noted by Derek Bok,
president emeritus of Harvard) and undergraduate student research. At Shippensburg University, we take extreme pride in
the dedication of the faculty to joint student-faculty research
projects. At research-extensive universities, opportunities to
conduct research with faculty are reserved primarily, if not exclusively, for graduate students. Shippensburg professors have
been educated at “research extensive” universities and, in our
public comprehensive university setting where they have cho-
sen to serve, they mentor both undergraduate and graduate students in research projects.
As Provost, I thank the dedicated faculty and the intellectually entrepreneurial students who have seized opportunities to
be engaged in faculty-student research initiatives. Congratulations to Ship undergraduate and master’s students who are
flourishing as they sail into new frontiers of knowledge through
research conducted under the mentorship of faculty. The first
annual Shippensburg University Celebration of Student Research Conference showcases these projects more extensively
than ever.
In closing, I thank the Undergraduate as well as the Graduate
Research Advisory Committees for their reviews and recommendations regarding proposals for funding student research
projects. Thanks also to the Arts and Sciences Advisory Committee on Undergraduate Research for the energy, entrepreneurship, and collaborative spirit it has contributed towards
poising Shippensburg for the next level of excellence in undergraduate student research. Finally, thanks to the Shippensburg
University Foundation for its history of support for student research and to President Ruud for his commitment to increasing
the level of funding each year.
Barbara G. Lyman, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
3
From the Deans
As Dean of the College of Arts
and Sciences at Shippensburg
University I am pleased to be
able to write about Undergraduate Research, especially as it is
occurring in the College of Arts
and Sciences, and in support of
the celebration of Undergraduate Research that is occurring on
this wonderfully expanded Undergraduate Research Day.
The departments and programs
of the College of Arts and Sciences at Shippensburg University offer students a diverse variety of educational experiences in disciplines that span an
extraordinary breadth of human knowledge. A key aspect for
deeply engaging students is to provide them with opportunities
to participate in multiple and varied learning activities, both
inside and outside of the classroom. Often, activities occurring
outside of the classroom can become particularly meaningful
and relevant to a student’s educational experience, with such
activities often serving to reinforce the knowledge and experience gained within the classroom environment.
Collectively, there are several out-of-classroom activities that
are known as “high-impact” because of the surprisingly effective
manner in which they reinforce and compound in-class learning experiences. Undergraduate Research is a great example of
4
such a “high-impact” learning practice. Through participation
in Undergraduate Research activities, students and faculty together explore the boundaries of knowledge and students begin
to glimpse the power of guided inquiry and can start making
their own contributions to the advancement of knowledge.
Over the past couple of years, the College of Arts and Sciences
has begun to deeply explore and have a meaningful dialog about
Undergraduate Research. Through the A&S Dean’s Advisory
Committee on Undergraduate Research, and in other venues,
faculty members have begun to discover that Undergraduate
Research practices are already occurring in many departments
across the College. A recent visit by a Council for Undergraduate Research consultant team, invited by the A&S Undergraduate Research Committee, has provided essential feedback and
an impetus for examining strategies to foster Undergraduate
Research activities. This is being approached in ways that are
integrative and maintain curricular relevance while fostering
a deeper understanding and embracing the disciplinary differences in how Undergraduate Research occurs. Importantly,
challenges are being identified and creative strategies are being
explored and proposed so that student/faculty Undergraduate
Research activities can be sustained for the improvement of the
student educational experience in the College of Arts and Sciences and at Shippensburg University.
Dr. James Mike, Dean
College of Arts and Sciences
From the Deans
Each college and university hopes
to offer its students some signature experiences that are unique
and not found at every other
university in the region. At Shippensburg University one of those
experiences may be our Celebration of Student Research Conference. We are excited that our
students have an opportunity to
present their research findings at
a formal conference using poster
sessions and student panels in
the traditional format of professional meetings. The faculty of
the College of Education and Human Services recognize how
participation in a research project, often working closely with
fellow students and a faculty mentor, contributes to our students’ long term growth as professionals in the fields they seek
to join. The research experience channels students’ intellectual
development, creativity, problem solving ability and confidence
in unique ways unable to be achieved in the regular classroom.
Most importantly, the research experience moves our students
a giant step forward on their long term development as professionals, life-long learners and future leaders in our society.
Dr. James Johnson, Dean
College of Education and Human Services
Our commitment to encouraging
and supporting student and faculty scholarship and research has
continued to grow and develop
over the years across the University and we are now in the process
of expanding these opportunities
to the next level. Adding student
panel sessions to this year’s program is an excellent way to complement the traditional poster
session and greatly enhance the
overall experience for everyone
involved. The John L. Grove College of Business mission states
that “Excellence in teaching and high standards of intellectual
contributions are supported by providing faculty with professional development and research opportunities to create and
share knowledge for the benefit of our students, the University, and academic and professional communities.” Engaging
our students in scholarship and research provides them with
the opportunity to work closely with our faculty and apply the
knowledge and skills they have developed in our highly dynamic and applied learning environment. Collaborative student and
faculty research initiatives not only provide a unique learning
experience for our students but they often have a positive impact on the professional community. These scholarship and research experiences foster intellectual curiosity and development
and help to prepare our students to become lifelong learners
committed to serving their communities and their professions.
Dr. Anthony S. Winter, Interim Dean
John L. Grove College of Business
5
On Behalf of the Faculty
Undergraduate Research - A Faculty Perspective
Doing undergraduate research is just fun­—for both students
and faculty.
Additionally, undergraduate research programs at Shippensburg University are becoming one of our most distinctive and
effective ways of enhancing student-faculty relationships.
Such learning opportunities enrich the linkage which characterizes the interactions of faculty and students both within
and outside of the classroom. Research projects which enable
6
students to actively pursue a deeper intellectual experience are
memorable and help prepare students for careers and graduate
level studies. Such programs might be viewed by some as nonessential and therefore expendable, but the faculty perspective
would be that such programs are the essence of the educational
experience at Shippensburg University, and deserving of our
full support and appreciation.
Dr. Brendan Finucane
President, APSCUF
From the College of Arts and Sciences
Undergraduate Research Committee
On behalf of the faculty here at Shippensburg University, we are
pleased to welcome you to the expanded “Celebration of Student Research Conference.” We would like to thank the entire
campus community for helping to launch this event. This conference is the result of hard work from a whole host of faculty,
staff, and administrators who believe in the potential of collaborative research to enhance student learning in profound ways.
It is important to keep in mind that the wonderful presentations that you will see today can only be accomplished by a year
round commitment from stakeholders across the university who
believe that student research is a critical tool in the education
process. Of course, education does not stop in the lecture hall,
the teaching laboratory, in the library, or in the dormitory room.
These places only serve as stepping stones for expanded learning. Research requires students to take the knowledge gained
in traditional settings, and then apply it to new situations and
problems. This is where true learning takes place. The ability
Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward,
Interim Co-Chair
to apply one’s knowledge and critically solve problem demonstrates actual understanding. Thus, research better prepares our
students to face challenges once they leave the cozy comforts of
the university. As every faculty mentor knows, students are not
the only individuals who benefit from collaborative research.
Guiding student research allows the mentor to continue his or
her own scholarly growth and opens avenues to explore new
areas. As is common with research, a project may start down
one path, but then take a turn into a whole new world. Thus,
this day is a celebration not only for the students but also for the
entire campus community. The inspiring work done by these
students underscores the wonderful learning environment being created daily across this university. We commend the students who have worked diligently on their projects, and wish
them success in future endeavors knowing that their research
experiences here at Shippensburg University will serve as a solid
platform for future careers.
Dr. Curtis M. Zaleski,
Interim Co-Chair
Dr. Cynthia Botteron,
Chair
7
From the Institute for Public Service and
Office of Sponsored Programs
While this year’s Celebration of Student Research Conference
boasts a new name, expanded participation, and a greater scope
of activity, it rests upon an already strong foundation of collaborative student – faculty research, a tradition of institutional
support and leadership, and a continuing university-wide dedication to quality education that is a hallmark of Shippensburg
University. This is conference is the latest iteration of sharing
and celebrating student research, creative expression, and performance that goes back over two decades.
The values of collaborative research and creative activities between students and faculty are increasingly clear. For students,
they become better learners in science, math, logic, expression,
and performance. They develop self confidence and their abilities to work either independently or collaboratively are markedly
enhanced. Practical problem solving skills are better developed
and valuable experience gained. Students learn with greater
depth and with an increased sense of curricular relevance. Simply put, they become better learners, thinkers, and doers.
8
Collaborative research and mentorship also brings value to the
faculty and to the university at large. Personal satisfaction of
faculty members increases as they become more enthusiastic
and better engaged with both students and their discipline. This
In turn, helps to build a stronger intellectual atmosphere on
campus, curricular improvement, improved programs, and better student retention.
So, please celebrate with us in this festival of scholarly research,
creative expression, and performance that imbues the spirit of
Shippensburg University.
Dr. George Pomeroy, Interim Executive Director Cristy Lentz, Office Associate Lynette Ordway, Office Associate College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Committee
Cynthia Botteron
William Braun
Jamonn Campbell
Thomas Crochunis
Alison Dagnes
Allen Dieterich-Ward
Cynthia Drenovsky
Thomas Feeney
Cynthia (Cinda) Gibbon
Kim Klein
Eveline Lang
Cristy Lentz
Blandine Mitaut
Kirk Moll
Gregory Paulson
George Pomeroy
Marc Renault
Carrie Sipes
Carol Wellington
Curtis Zaleski
Conference Sub-Committee Assignments
Poster Session Organization
Greg Paulson
Carrie Sipes
Contributed Paper and Department
Panel Organization
Laurie Cella
Blandine Mitaut
Marc Renault
Proceedings and Certificates
Cristy Lentz
George Pomeroy
Curtis Zaleski
Conference Organization
Allen Dieterich-Ward
Cinda Gibbon
Kirk Moll
Award Rubric Pilot Project
Carol Wellington
William (Turi) Braun
Tom Feeney
Kirk Moll
9
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 PM
Location: CUB 216
Library Research Award
The Library Research Award was developed in 2009 by the faculty and administration of the Ezra Lehman Memorial Library,
in conjunction with the Public Services and Office of Sponsored Programs as well as the Council of Undergraduate Research under the College of Arts and Sciences. The award recognizes outstanding or noteworthy use of library resources for
a literature review component of research design and proposal
for an undergraduate research grant. The award is presented by
Library Department Chair, Berkley Laite.
The winner of the 2010 Library Research award is James Redington. His advisor is William Patrie and his major is Chemistry. The title of his research proposal is Determination of the
Causal Agent of Rose Rosette Disease (RRD). James will win
the Library Research Award of $100.00 toward supplies and
travel. Honorable Mentions will be awarded $25.00 prize to ap-
10
ply toward supplies and/or travel. Commemorative posters will
be made of all winners and will be hung in the library.
Honorable mentions are: Tim Adzima, a Physics major, who
proposed “Operator approach to the gluing theorem in string
field theory. Ashley Martin and Nitasha Kaur are Biology majors. The title of their proposal is “Elucidating the role of Atg5
autophagy protein in growth characteristics of SNB19 brain
tumor cells.” And finally, Carolynne Woolley, a Psychology major, who proposed “Relationship between college student health
concerns and health anxieties.”
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: CUB Lounges B&C
Write the Ship
Write the Ship is an undergraduate publication celebrating the
best student essays from across the disciplines. At this publication party, students will read brief excerpts from their essays.
Celebrating
Departmental Conference Panels
11
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Location: Orndorff Theater
IFRS
IFRS Adoption by 2014 — Is It Possible?
Dustin Andrews, Katherine Bardales, Tyna Bigler,
Benjamin Boyer, Walter Brown, Travis Burkholder,
Jonathan Canankamp, Xinxin Cheng, Jennifer
Coccagna, Amy Cruz, Joseph Darcy, Alison Dowdrick,
Amanda Dubs, Matthew Eliff, John Gibboney,
Amanda Gilbert, Kyle Green, Amanda Greenawalt,
Richelle Groff, Anna Hewit, Dylan Kelly, Rachel
Killian, Michelle Lauer, Adria Lehman, Neil Lennon,
Garrett Litsinger, Michael Lloyd, Valerie Martinez,
Ethan McNaughton, Heather Morris, Darla Mosbey,
Amanda Norris, Kayla Nowakowski, Raymond Patti,
Nicole Peacock, James Powell, Jared Radabaugh,
Nicole Reilly, Stephen Riegel, Cory Roth, Andrew
Schultz, Tessa Shank, Valerie Shank, Nathan
Shearer, Michael Talley, Jeremy Taylor, Kristy Taylor,
Ubokmfon Umobong, Jennifer White, and Anne
Whiteley
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Mary Myers
Time: 3:15 - 6:00 PM
Location: Orndorff Theater
Investigation into the Causal Agent
of Rose Rosette Disease
James Redington
Cytotoxicity of HMS on IEC-18 Cells
After Gastric Fluid Treatment
Jordan Shick
Quantitation of Fluorinated Fungicides by
Relaxation Assisted Fluorine-19 NMR
Todd Vargson
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Drs. Curtis Zaleski and
Dan Predecki
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Location: CUB 215
Applied Research in Economics
Economics students will present their empirical research results.
The Link Between Intellectual Property Rights
Protection Effectiveness and Industry Profit in the U.S.
Edi Rumano
The Effect of Income Inequality on Homicide Rates
Senior Chemistry Research
Tara Sheeder
This symposium will focus on the research projects performed
by the senior chemistry majors. Research projects will include
topics from the disciplines of analytical chemistry, biochemistry,
inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry.
Socioeconomic Correlates and Food
Justice in the Harrisburg Region
Determination of the Biochemical Pathway
for the Disassembly of Tight Junction
Protein in Diabetic Retinopathy
Keri Kimes
Protection from Oxidation-Induced Cell
Death by the Antioxidant Glutathione
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Daniel Lee
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: CUB 317
The Season of Loss
These three creative nonfiction essays examine the ways we
grieve over losses, both monumental and miniscule.
Katelyn Moore
Lessons Etched in Dying Grass
Mechanistic Studies of DNA Cleavage
by 9-Methylsulfinylanthracene
Funeral for a Christian Samurai
Kevin Bader
Sarah Nenninger
Robert Brenize
Analysis of Tetrodotoxin Production by the
Spotted Newt, Notophthalmus Viridescens,
in South Central Pennsylvania
Questions Remain
Matthew Pauly
Attenuated Total Reflectance Sensing
of Ethanol in Blood
Charles Prettner
12
Leslie Korn
John Martin
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Laurie Cella
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: CUB 317
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: CUB 217
Bridging Out into the Community:
An Oral History Project
Educating Victor: Knowledge, Technology,
and Ethics in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
These three students interviewed Shippensburg community
members and wrote their life histories. Two students interviewed clients at the Franklin County Literacy Council, and
one student interviewed a social worker at the Shippensburg
Head Start.
Were Victor Frankenstein’s parents negligent in giving him an
unstructured education, allowing him to choose his own topics of study? Was Victor himself guilty of pursuing scientific
advancements without first establishing a ethical limits and values? Would Charles Darwin have agreed with Victor that his
creation was something other than human? “EDUCATING
VICTOR” will explore these questions while analyzing the famous doppelgangers, their motivations, and the responsibility
for their actions.
A Head Start in Learning and Family Growth
Melanie Fehnel
Finding Love in a Familiar Friend
TJ Tyush
The Motivation to Succeed
Kyle Downs
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Laurie Cella
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Self-Education Versus Controlled
Education in Frankenstein
Erin Reed
The Danger of Knowledge and
Technology in Frankenstein
Megan Daub
Location: CUB 217
Defining Victor: Gender Roles, Tradegy,
and the Self in Mary Shelley’s Frankstein
Mary Shelley, the daughter of a famous feminist, has often been
criticized for creating weak female characters in Frankenstein;
yet the novel’s protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, is himself
strangely feminized. Is Shelley subtly critiquing her patriarchal
society? Does Victor suffer from “male hysteria”? Does his obsessive desire to create life reflect his own misogyny? And is his
downfall due to his own irresponsible actions, or is he, like the
women in Frankenstein, a victim of societal expectations? “Defining Victor” will focus on a close analysis of the protagonist
and on Mary Shelley’s critique of gender roles in early nineteenth century society.
The Feeble Female: A Vindication
of Women in Frankenstein
Brittany Tritapoe
Frankenstein: Mary Shelley’s Tragic Hero
Jaimie Petrosky
Victor Frankenstein’s Feminine Mind:
Hysteria in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Lindsey Rotz
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Deborah Montuori
Frankenstein’s Creation as a Human Being
Jennifer Polhemus
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Deborah Montuori
Time: 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Location: CUB 216
Metabolic, Performance and Physical
Fitness Aspects of Exercise
The exercise science panel entails several studies that examine
metabolic responses pertaining to: 1) oxygen consumption and
eccentric loading of muscle; 2) tissue oxygenation during and
following hand-grip exercise; and 3) training status and glucose
clearance response following carbohydrate ingestion. In addition, the panel will explore the influence of a novel accessory
designed for improving swim performance. Finally, the effectiveness of an employee-based walking program on positively
influencing physical fitness characteristics will be discussed.
Downhill Priming Fails to Confer Running
Economy Benefits Following a Downhill Run
Rachel Humerick
Effect of Short Cycle Sprint on Aerobic Performance
Elise Mercer
No Influence of Training Status on Resting
and Post-Exercise Glucose Clearance
Tom Ketner and Alyssa Stoneroad
Effects of Newly Designed Shinfins vs. Foot Fins
on Swimming Performance in College Females
Katie Yoder and Nicole Eastep
13
Effects of an Employee-
in World History: Prehistory to 1500 published in 2008 by
McGraw-Hill.
Based Walking Program on Selected
Physical Fitness Measures
Messages in the Macabre: Examining
Causes of Death in Bog Bodies
Amanda Wade
Krista Bussewitz
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Drs. William (Turi) Braun,
Sally Paulson, and Joohee Sanders
The Simple Life
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: CUB 219-221
Tension in Public Life in Prehistoric Europe,
Ancient Greece, and Medieval Japan
This panel showcases three research projects undertaken by
freshmen Honors students in their general education course
World History I. Krista Bussewitz, Sarah Montanari, and Alan
Zanotti will present the findings from widely diverse fields –
from the boggy marshes of prehistoric Western Europe, to the
homes of urban-dwellers in Ancient Greece, to the high-stakes
court politics of medieval Japan. The research methods of each
of these presentations are equally varied: Krista Bussewitz’s
conclusions about her watery mummies come from studies
employing C.T. scans and chemical analysis along with ancillary textual documentation from Ancient Roman authors.
Sarah Montanari’s work on the domestic architecture of Ancient Greece relies upon the floor plans of excavated buildings
from people of various social classes. Alan Zanotti’s essay on
the Japanese military shoguns utilizes written chronicles of the
Japanese nobility. All three presenters also made extensive use
of recent monographs and scholarly journal articles in their research. Krista, Sarah, and Alan have important things to say
about the ways that people in the distant past lived and died,
and their work gets at passions in human nature that we today
share in continuity with our distant forbearers. Krista’s essay
“Messages in the Macabre: Examining Causes of Death in Bog
Bodies,” makes a strong case for historians to constantly reassess their sources as more information comes to light. Whether
the bog mummies had been victims of state execution, religious
sacrifice, or even accident has been a source of long debate for
historians. Sarah’s paper, “The Simple Life,” observes the strong
contrast between wealthy homes and public spaces in Ancient
Greek architecture and concludes that lack of ornamentation on even very rich Greek’s private domiciles reflects their
greater interest in public spheres, as the public spaces’ monumental architecture is far more elaborate. Finally, Alan’s work,
“The Unfortunate Incompetence of the Muromachi Shoguns,”
scrutinizes the internal politics at the highest levels of Japanese government to argue that personality, and not institutional
weakness, caused the underlying failure of the Japanese state in
the medieval Muromachi period. To appreciate these projects
is also to appreciate the ways in which our general history program can foster high-level research among our undergraduates.
Comments will be provided by Dr. Christine Senecal, Associate
Professor of History and a specialist on Ancient and Medieval
Europe. Dr. Senecal recently coauthored Envisioning Women
14
Sarah Montanari
The Unfortunate Incompetence of
the Muromachi Shoguns
Alan Zanotti
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Drs. Catherine Clay,
Gretchen Pierce, Christine Senecal, and Jonathan Skaff
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: CUB 219-221
Social, Cultural and Political History
in Comparative Perspective
The three papers in this panel present a fine selection of the
high quality work produced by upper-division undergraduate researchers in the History/Philosophy Department. Using
a broad range of primary and secondary sources, the students
featured here explore social, cultural and political history topics spanning nearly two hundred years. Under the guidance of
Dr. John Quist, Anthony Comegna’s paper “William Leggett
& the Locofoco Paradigm” debates the prevailing interpretation of William Leggett, the Jacksonian editor of the New York
Evening Post in the mid-19th century. His paper explores what
he describes as the “Locofoco Paradigm” and how the rejection
of this paradigm by the Democratic Party in favor of the more
conservative views of John C. Calhoun precipitated the march
to the American Civil War. Elisabeth Davis, mentored by Dr.
Steven Burg, presents her paper “Les Cheries D’Hitler” focusing on the occupation of the British Channel Islands by the
Nazis during World War II. Davis observes that in many ways
the Channel Island Occupation was different from many other territories that Hitler conquered during the war, a fact that
earned islanders the nickname “Les Cheries d’Hitler” (Hitler’s
Sweethearts). Despite the fact that many of German soldiers
and islanders came to respect each other, however, the paper
argues that the Channel Island Occupation contained many of
the horrors experienced by other Nazi held countries, as the
Germans deported many of those left in the islands to concentration and internment camps in continental Europe; imported
forced laborers from Eastern Europe to fortify the islands; and
abused local children. Finally, working with Dr. Robert Shaffer,
Barbara Schindo’s “The Immigrant Experience” engages with
a key theme of U.S. History through an innovative use of primary sources. Schindo explores the similarities and differences
in the experiences of immigrants in the United States using an
in-depth analysis of a memoir, Desert Exile (1982) by Yoshiko
Uchida and a novel, The Kite Runner (2003) by Khaled Hosseini. The former is the story of a Japanese American woman
growing up in Berkeley, California during the early 20th century, while the latter was written by an Afghan who immigrated
to the U.S. in 1981. Comments for the panel will be provided
by Dr. Mark Spicka, an Associate Professor of History specializing in Modern Europe. Dr. Spicka’s most recent book, Selling
the Economic Miracle: Economic Reconstruction and Politics in West Germany, 1949-1957 was published by Berghahn
Books in 2007.
William O,o & the Locofoco Paradigm
Anthony Comegna
Les Cheries D’Hitler
Elisabeth Davis
The Immigrant Experience
Barbara Schindo
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Drs. Steven Burg, John
Quist, Robert Shaffer, and Mark Spicka
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: CUB 219-221
Undergraduate Research
Projects in Mathematics
This session will consist of short talks by mathematics majors
who have engaged in undergraduate research. Students will
present their findings and discuss the process of their research.
Examining Generalized Fibonacci
Sequences Modulo a Prime
Josh Ide
How Many Licks… A Scientific Approach!
Tony Blair
Hypermiling — A Mathematical Model
Alexander Snyder
On Some Conjectures Concerning Groups
with Perfect Order Subsets
Kelly Toppin
Three 3 P’s of Number Theory:
Pythagoras, Pentagons, and Primes
Dan White
Why 6 and 3 Can’t Give 11
Rebekkah Stanko
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Marc Renault
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: CUB 215
Asuntos Contemporáneos
The panel presents research on two important issues—underage drinking and the dangers of sending text messages while
driving. In each paper, the problem is described with statistics
and other kinds of data and solutions are proposed. The faculty
discussant will give introductory remarks that provide context
and will direct a discussion after the presentations. The panel
will be conducted in Spanish.
El Consumo de Alcohol Entre Menores
Kaitlyn Green
Mandar Mensajes de Texto al Conducir
Angela Golfieri
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Robert Lesman
Time: 4:45 - 5:45PM
Location: CUB 215
The Politics of People,
Places and Programs
The field of Political Science addresses both domestic and foreign policy making and to this end this panel examines American politics and International Relations. On the domestic front,
our papers explore the politics of several issues that affect Americans personally and politically. The first paper is on the politics
of healthcare, addressing the public policy effects of healthcare
reform. This is a prescient topic, and since so much is being
written on the reform bills going through congress right now,
it is a subject with ample data for greater exploration. The second paper examines the political consequences of obesity. With
this problem facing many Americans, the political issues that
are raised are significant: The costs of healthcare, the questions
facing public transportation, the concerns that affect children.
This is also a paper that is perceptive and topical, and one that
will garner much interest. The third paper focusing on domestic
politics looks at gambling and the issue of revenue gain versus
moral decay. Since Pennsylvania is moving towards gaming expansion, this is a topic of great consequence for our students.
Turning to international matters, our global paper asks if individual connections to indigenous tribes or ethnic groups have
negative economic ramifications for the Kenyan economy. This
examination of African politics may seem incongruous with the
domestic papers at first blush, but it is actually along the same
line inquiry. Like the others, this paper addresses the relationship between the rights and interests of the individual and the
greater political system.
The Politics of Healthcare
Katie Brown
Tribalism: Kenya’s Downfall
Brynn Tillett
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The Politics of Obesity
Anthony Delgrosso
Gambling, Revenue and Politics
Lacey Reapsome
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Alison Dagnes
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: CUB 217
Understanding Community and
Agency Needs: Four AgencyBased Research Projects
The needs of social service agencies and their communities
are in constant change. Social service agencies must engage in
continuous assessment to understand and address the needs of
their clients and communities. Social work students in their
final field practicum were able to contribute to this process
through their senior research projects. As they completed a 450
hour practicum, they engaged in agency-based research. The
topics of human trafficking, empowerment models of practice,
employee satisfaction and program evaluation will be addressed
in the panel. The need for programs to address human trafficking was explored through surveys with key stakeholders
such as law enforcement and medical personnel. The empowerment model of working with clients was evaluated through an
exploratory study in a sexual assault and rape crisis program.
Employee satisfaction in a skilled nursing facility was evaluated
through secondary analysis of an annual survey distributed by
the agency. In order to assess the effectiveness of a program that
helps families achieve self-sufficiency, a program evaluation was
conducted using client surveys.
Evaluation of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Rachel Wingle
The Need for Human Trafficking
Services in Franklin County
Megan Weber
Empowerment Model in Sexual Assault
and Rape Crisis Services
Cyntia Rayborn
Employee Satisfaction in a Skilled Nursing Facility
Seth Ambrose
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Liz Fisher
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Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: CUB 217
Exploring Preferences in
Social Service Settings
Three social work seniors will present the findings of their
agency-based exploratory research projects conducted as part
of their field internship experience. The three presentations will
focus on important contemporary social work issues such as,
inclusive employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, parents’ preferences of educational settings
for their children with autism and self-determination for hospice clients. After a brief introduction on the agency where the
study was conducted and the research problem under study, the
students will describe the methods and the results. The presentations will end with recommendations for practice.
The Employers’ Perspective on Hiring Individuals
with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Minda Byerly
Parent Satisfaction with Inclusive and NonInclusive Settings for Children with Autism
Meaghan Pryor
End of Life Preferences in Hospice Care
Samantha Wagner
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Marita Flagler
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Location: Orndorff Theater
Social Dynamics of Aging and the
Experiences of Older Adults
Our population is aging rapidly and many social scientists are
concerned that we are not prepared for the dramatic shift in age
distribution that will occur by the year 2030. This panel session includes topics that must be addressed in the years to come
if we are going to adjust to future changes in our population.
The research projects come from the course, Social Dynamics of Aging, which is an elective in sociology and gerontology.
Student research projects investigated the experiences of older
adults as they age in a society that continually denies the fact
that we all get older. Topics include, adjustment to retirement,
the impact of HIPAA legislation on nursing homes, the aging worker, how to implement a successful exercise program for
older adults, among others. All of the research projects include
original data collection via questionnaire or interviews, as well
as literature reviews and recommendations for professionals in
the field of gerontology.
Caregiver Burnout among Nursing Home Employees
Stop Interrupting
Catherine Frey, Kerri Herb, Kyndra Strait, Stacey
Titemore, and Lindsay Varzaly
Jennifer Kukay and Tianyuen Shen
How HIPAA Affects Death Rituals in
Long-Term Care Communities
Whitney Plunkett and Ashley Neil
Samantha Widger, Michelle Weber, Nicole Michael,
and Mandi Kahl
Denielle Lepley and Mandie Whaley
Professors’ Adjustment to Retirement
Monica Trio, Jennifer Pietrzak, Becky Amspacker, Erin
Kelly, and Megan Brown
Strategies for Achieving Success in
Exercise Programs for Older Adults
Student Engagement
Gender Bias in the Classroom
Self Initiated Participation in the Classroom
Bethany Frieri and Kristen Adams
How a Teacher Effectively Deals with Noisy Students
Katlin Cuccaro and Brittney Losh
Teacher Interaction in the Classroom
Daniel Heim and Kristen Fritz
Amber Abernethy and Kaye Pelton
The Perceived Benefits of Activities Programs
for Older Adults According to CNAs
Reading as a Means of Settling Students
After Recess and Its Impact
Heather Franzon, Megan Bobby, Jenna Coldsmith,
and Lynn Economos
Who Is More Satisfied, Residents of Rural
Nursing Homes or Urban Nursing Homes?
Lisa Riccobene, Kyle Tucker, Rachel Horn, and Shaina
Boyer
Why Work When You Can Retire?
Caitlin Brunner, Shaina Ott, and Jose Rodriguez
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Cynthia Drenovsky
Time: 4:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: CUB Lounges B&C
Action Research in the Classroom
The following topics are action research done in the classroom
by pre-service teachers in the teacher education department.
Action research is a type of inquiry conducted by teachers or
other stakeholders in the classroom environment to gather information, or gain insight about how they teach and how well
students learn. The goal is to gain insight, develop reflective
practice, effecting positive changes in the school environment.
Data was collected during day in school field experience. Students were engaged in a four step process i.e. identifying an area
of focus, collecting data, analyzing and interpreting data and
then developing and action plan which was either implemented
during day in school or given as a recommendation.
Kaitlin Goodyear and Heidi Horst
Techniques Used in the Classroom to
Refocus Students After Recess
Katie Wear and Kristin Martin
Techniques Used to Handle
Disruptions in the Classroom
Tara Graves and Kayla Lippy
Students Behavior in Relation to Teacher
Positioning in the Classroom
Annabelle Myers and Sofia Anderson
Keeping Students Focused on Individual Work
Whitney Walter and Kelsea Schwartz
Effective Questioning Techniques Used
to Increase Class Participation
Brittany Tritapoe and Alyssa Critelli
Strategies Used to Decrease Noise in the Classroom
David Cool and Niki Velleman
Transition in the Classroom
Rachel Neubeck, Ashley Reese, and Tanya Coblentz
How Teaching Techniques Affect Student Participation
Justin Sell and Dane Kress
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Eucabeth Odhiambo
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Celebrating
Individual Oral Presentations
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Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: CUB 216
Multidisciplinary Approaches to
Environment and Sustainability
Demographics and Morphometric Characteristics
of Breeding Cope’s Grey Tree Frog (Hyla
Chrysoscelis) at Wallops Island, Virginia, USA
put into effect that promote lower housing costs in appropriate locations through environmentally conscientious urban and
suburban restoration and revitalization.
Benjamin Mosior
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Joel Schoening
Parametric Terrain Generation Using
the Ray-Shape Method
Cope’s grey tree frog, Hyla chrysoscelis, is found throughout
the eastern United States, from Texas to Delaware. This arboreal species breeds from May to August, using temporary shallow
pools. In June of 2009, we conducted nocturnal walking transects, at the Marine Science Consortium, Wallops Island, VA,
to determine life history traits in a suspected population of H.
chrysoscelis. We positively identified or hand captured 75 adult
individuals, of which 28 amplexing pairs were measured and allowed to ovoposite in the lab. Average female snout vent length
(SVL) and tibiafibula length (TL), were larger than male’s. The
smallest reproductive female was 34 mm in SVL, while the average clutch size was 1284.8. We detected a weak positive correlation between female SVL and clutch size. We estimated the
relative density of H. chrysoscelis at 7.5 individuals/ha with a
sex ratio (M/F) of 0.41:0.59. To our knowledge, this is the first
morphometrics and life history study on H. chrysoscelis in the
southern Delmarva Peninsula. While we hope to continue expanding our knowledge, and monitoring its status in the future,
we are concerned that rapidly encroaching human disturbances
will threaten the survivorship of this H. chrysoscelis population.
Dustin Lowry
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Pablo Delis
Artificial terrain generation is used in the military, geology, and
entertainment industries to great effect. Because of the great
variety of terrain in the world today, from jagged peaks to rolling hills, a wide variety of algorithms is necessary in order to
represent all possible forms of terrain. Proposed here is a new
method for generating unique terrain, the Ray-Shape method.
This method falls into the Shape category of terrain generation,
which means that a set of shapes is semi-randomly generated
and then displaced based on parameters supplied to the algorithm. Other categories of terrain generation are examined, and
the Ray-Shape method is tested against another shape-based
algorithm.
Stephen Jurnack
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Carol Wellington
B
The Savage River Reservoir in western Maryland provides the
Washington, DC metropolitan area with a clean source of water for water quality control and water supply purposes. Additionally, the headwaters of the system form a very well known
exceptional value native trout fishery. The 275 km2 watershed
leading to the reservoir is predominantly forested with steep
slopes and dense vegetation. This study created a watershed
runoff model based on a modified Thornthwaite climatic water
budget method. Temperature and precipitation data from the
PRISM dataset were validated with data from the Coop. station located at the top of the Savage River Dam. These Coop.
data were also used to assess other hydroclimatic parameters of
the runoff model. Predicted runoff was validated by two USGS
stream gauges within the watershed and a stage recorder at the
dam. The runoff model was then used to simulate projected
climate change using downscaled climate projection estimates
for temperature and precipitation to determine future runoff
based on various climate change scenarios. The resulting modeled runoff and reservoir levels were compared to anticipated
demand in the Washington, DC metropolitan area to determine the reservoir’s capacity to provide the necessary releases
associated with that demand.
Bradley Austin
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Timothy Hawkins
Sunbelt Suburbanization: Why We Continue
to Embrace the Unsustainable
Suburban development is a phenomenon that has come under
much scrutiny because of its observable sociological, geographical, and environmental impacts. Issues such as economic and
racial segregation, as well as the environmental degradation and
social implications associated with motor vehicle dependency
and destructive land use have all surfaced in highly suburbanized areas. In addition, study after study has shown that, between the devastation of important ecosystems and the physical
danger of developing in high-risk areas for humans, suburban
development is ultimately an unsustainable enterprise. With so
many negative aspects, why does suburban development continue to be the primary mode of residential expansion and urban sprawl? The answer is in the money. Despite the long-term
problems with which it is associated, suburban development
continues to be the dominant mode of new housing development because of current government policies that determine the
overall affordability for both developers and homebuyers. After
a detailed analysis of urban and suburban areas such as those in
Florida and California, it can be determined that, in order to
overcome these obstacles, new policies regarding zoning, taxation, urban growth boundaries and the environment need to be
20
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: CUB 316
Practical and Aesthetic
Visions of Sustainability
Simulating Streamflow and the Effects of Climate
Change on the Savage River, Maryland
Rain Sculptures
Through several months of learning and application of continually improved concepts I have been able to produce a series
of kinetic sculptures, each one an advancement over its predecessor, that are powered by rainwater and buoyancy. These hollow sculptures are constructed of stainless steel and resemble
flowering plants. Under the proper conditions of rainfall their
flower like buds, normally closed and half contained within the
sculpture, are propelled upward and blossom. The idea of using
rain and buoyant force to power a kinetic sculpture is a new
one. While I applied this idea to simple flower like sculptures,
this research grant was primarily a test of function over form
and was but a drop of water in the bucket for the potential this
concept holds when applied to a wide range of sculptural forms.
Scott Osiol
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Prof. Steven Dolbin
B
Assessing Urban Heat Island Mitigation Using Green
Roofs: A Hardware Scale Modeling Approach
This project studies the properties of green roofs and their mitigating effects on the Urban Heat Islands (UHI). The UHI is
associated with many negative effects such as increases in air
pollution, heat related illness and mortality, water temperatures
in streams, and greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that
over the next century, urban temperatures will increase by an
additional 3 to 7oC. To better mitigate the effects of the current
and proposed temperature trends, green initiatives, including
green roofs, are being implemented. Many studies have been
conducted concerning UHI’s and the benefits of green roof
mitigation but no studies on the overall effects or benefits green
roofs could have on an entire city.
This project used two hardware-scale models to simulate a real
city to gain a better understanding of the effects green roofs
have on an entire city. One model incorporated green roofs
while the other was made of standard building materials. The
model temperatures were monitored using temperature, humidity, rain, and wind sensors to assess the impact of green roofs on
the overall temperature for the model. The data were collected
from June 2009 to September 2009, on an hourly basis. The
data showed that green roofs do have a positive effect on the
UHI by lowering the temperature within the city even by a couple degrees. The greatest indoor temperature difference during
the study period was 12.83oC. The greatest outdoor temperature difference during the study period was 2.08oC. Both of
these differences represent the black roofs being warmer. When
rain and wind data were compared to the temperature data, the
benefits of the green roofs were still noticeable, but on as much
on a clear and non-windy day. This study will assist larger cities
conducting research to understand the benefits of green roofs
on the UHI.
William Pompeii
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Drs. Timothy Hawkins,
Claire Jantz, and George Pomeroy
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: CUB 316
Rhetorics, Politics, and Culture
Enforcement of Double Standards for
Masculine Women in Politics
Rhetorical criticism, from a feminist perspective is concerned
with the depiction and influence of women who have influenced
history. Their willingness to challenge gender roles and the
public’s perception has fashioned them in crucial ways with the
masculine sphere. Women in politics have continued to climb
their ladder to success, yet they continue to hit a glass ceiling
due to the enforcement of gender roles and crossing boundaries into the masculine sphere. While women strive to excel,
double standards seem to derail their efforts to completely succeed. Through the analysis of speeches and political campaigns,
women’s actions and associations with the masculine sphere
will be researched to understand how the mass media perpetuates stereotypes upon these women. The feminist approach to
rhetorical criticism will focus on rhetorical artifacts that effect
the discernment of why women of double standards are seen as
different or imbalanced while campaigning against men in the
realm of politics.
Christina Belfiglio
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Richard Knight
B
The Shrew and the Jew: Elizabethan
Justification of Modern Day Faux-Pas
Two of Shakespeare’s well-known plays, “The Merchant of
Venice” and “The Taming of the Shrew”, address complex issues that modern audiences find completely offensive; a mix of
name-calling, general disregard for other human beings, and
the actions that the offenders (mainly white males) make towards their fellow man make many twenty-first century people
blush and rage. Upon closer examination, however, we find that
when studied from a historical perspective, Shakespeare’s words
did not reflect negative feelings about Jews or women. Shylock
and Kate show, through culture, dialogue, and the history of
the Elizabethan era, that a modern audience does not always
understand Shakespeare’s motivation for including characters
that are so “mistreated” by society. By Elizabethan standards,
they might not have been mistreated at all but receive justifiable
consequences for their improper personalities.
Stephanie Beyer
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Deborah Montuori
B
The Muja-Who?
The Afghan Mujahedin are often viewed as a blip in history
between the Soviet occupation of the 1980s and Taliban rule of
the late-1990s. Though the Mujahedin were troubled and temporary rulers they do constitute a legitimate regime. By tracing
their development from the withdrawal of the Soviet Union in
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1989, to their rise to power in 1991, and finally to their collapse
under the tide of Taliban influence we can see that disunity was
an endemic problem. In the following years the outside world
has forgotten the Mujahedin, instead focusing on the Taliban’s
radicalism or the scars of Soviet domination. The Mujahedin
remain a vital piece of the puzzle that is Afghanistan. In studying the reasons behind their failure to secure peace we can find
vital clues to one of the mysteries of our time - how to fix Afghanistan.
Catherine Putz
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Catherine Clay
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: CUB 316
Providing Better Care through a
Medical and Economic Perspective
Alternative Risk Transfer: Evidence from Risk
Retention Groups for Medical Malpractice Crisis
With medical malpractice being one of the most important liability issues of today, many healthcare companies are utilizing
risk retention groups because commercial malpractice insurance
is too costly or not available. A risk retention group (RRG) is
structured as a mutual insurer and owned by members engaged
in similar businesses. It retains a considerable amount of liability risk on its own instead of transferring the risk to commercial insurance providers. In our research, we are attempting to
find whether risk retention groups in the healthcare industry
can protect their members from the volatile insurance cycles
and offer them stable premium rates when dealing with their
medical malpractice liabilities. RRGs in the healthcare industry
accounted for 63% of total RRGs and 69% of total premiums
written in 2008. Our analysis suggests that a majority of these
RRGs are not strongly affected by the volatile market. 76% of
RRGs in the healthcare industry have less than 25% of their
total risk represented by systematic risk, or market risk.
Kristie Nicholas
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Mu-Sheng Chang
B
Risk Retention in the Pennsylvania
Nursing Home Industry
Risk retention is a significant concept in many fields, especially
those associated with business. In order to make educated financial decisions, one must recognize the benefits and risks associated with its implementation. The purpose of this project
is to better understand the determinants of self insurance for
worker’s compensation losses among nursing homes in the state
of Pennsylvania.
Lindsey Scheggia
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Mu-Sheng Chang
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Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: CUB 316
War and Power from Antiquity
to the Battle of Gettysburg
A Cultural Clash: How the Environment
Influenced the Seven Years War
The Seven Years War also known as the French and Indian War
was an important war fought globally, but just as importantly it
was fought on a local level. This was a war about acquiring land
and natural resources. The Seven Years War was an important
war in shaping colonist relationships with Native Americans
and the land in Pennsylvania. The landscape of Pennsylvania
provides a unique backdrop for understanding how the cultural
differences between colonists and Native Americans, in regards
to the environment, led to the Seven Years War. These cultural conflicts over the ownership of land and ones relationship
to it provided for increasing tensions and misunderstandings
that helped to shape the beginnings of war and the way it was
fought. Understanding the environmental history of the war is
crucial to the understanding of the war in Pennsylvania. To fully
understand the Seven Years War in Pennsylvania and its outcome it is important to look more closely at the environmental
influences through original historical accounts. Though broader
literature touches on the subject of the cultural differences in
regards to the environment of Native Americans and colonists
as well as the environments role in shaping the war on the local level there is not enough research done on these important
factors.
Meghan Dawson
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward
B
The Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the
Battle of Gettysburg Reunion (1938)
Despite the substantial research that has been conducted on
the Battle of Gettysburg, little is known about the subsequent
veterans’ reunions that took place at Gettysburg to honor those
who fought and died on the battlefield. This research examines
the seventy-fifth reunion which took place in early July, 1938.
By analyzing a wide array of primary and secondary sources located at the Gettysburg College Archives, the Adams County
Historical Society Archives and the Gettysburg National Park
Archives, this research explores those who attended the reunion,
the events that occurred at the reunion, and the larger symbolic
uses of the event by American politicians on the eve of the outbreak of World War II. The most crucial part of the study, deals
with the foreign relations aspect of the reunion that displayed to
the world that former adversaries could freely come together to
proclaim the preservation of peace through democratic ideals.
This research argues that the seventy-fifth reunion and the subsequent dedication of the Eternal Light Peace Memorial were
an integral part of Franklin Roosevelt’s administration’s push
for peace just before the outbreak of World War II.
Noah Frazier
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Steven Burg
B
Ambitio: The Suicidal Political System of the
Roman Republic
Politics in the Roman Republic consisted of individuals competing for offices which would bring honor, prestige and power
to their families. While Rome remained a relatively small citystate, its largely precedent-based constitution was able to limit
the power and prestige any one man could obtain. As Rome
expanded into an empire, however, circumstances arose which
essentially rendered the constitution obsolete. Ambitious politicians quickly realized this, and, pushing the obsolete constitution aside, began seizing unprecedented powers. These men did
not, however, seek to end the Republic. They merely sought to
obtain as much prestige as they could, just as their ancestors had
done for hundreds of years. In spite of this, the Republic did
end. The competitive political system which had ensured the
continuity of the Republic became suicidal. With the constitution unable to prevent the individualistic nature of Roman politics from destroying the state, the traditional rhetorical battles
between politicians erupted into chaotic civil wars, the magnitude of which caused irreparable damage to the state, which
could only be repaired under the absolute authority of an emperor. Regardless of the intentions of politicians, territorial expansion and Constitutional Republicanism were incompatible
Luther Karper
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Christine Senecal
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Location: CUB 318
Petite histoire musicale de la
littérature française - I
A Musical History of French Literature I
L’oreille sauvage
La langue, française comme anglaise, veut que la musique soit
un jeu – Jouer de la musique/ To play music. En réalité, ce n’est
pas tant l’homme qui joue de la musique, que la musique ellemême qui se joue à travers l’homme. C’est la musique qui pousse
en nous à travers chaque geste, chaque reflet, chaque ascension
et descente chromatique. Comme le dit Henri Michaux, la musique est élan. Elle est mouvement. Et nos efforts sont vains de
vouloir la fixer. Vains et cruels. Manies de sauvages que de vouloir la déchirer, la saisir, l’incarcérer par partitions interposées.
Nous allons montrer comment la littérature française, au XXe
siècle, dénonce la sauvagerie de l’homme à l’égard de la musique
et redéfinit de nouvelles bases pour une musique libératrice.
Savage Ears
Language, French just as English, wills that music becomes a
game - to play music. Yet, to the contrary, insofar as it is man
who plays music, it is music itself that plays through man. In
other words, music plays us. For it is music that pushes itself
within and around us through every gesture, every reflection,
even every chromatical ascent and descent. As Henri Michaux
points out, music is fluid, it is movement. And, our will that
would posit music is for naught. Vain and cruel. Savage are the
hands, the ears, that indeed desire to tear, to seize, to incarcerate
it inside musical scores composed by man. We will show how
French literature denounces the savagery of man with regard
to music - redefining a new foundation for music that is in fact
liberating.
Benjamin Ciccarone
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Blandine Mitaut
B
L’Assaut avec les Tamtams
Enlisés dans la boue de leurs cauchemars, au bout de leurs forces, les soldats français dans les tranchées sombres, humides et
entourées de canons assourdissants ont souvent pu redécouvrir
leur courage dans les chansons populaires. Mais quel est ce pouvoir étrange de la musique ? Qu’est-ce qui, en elle, calme l’âme
battue de jeunes soldats ordinaires ? Nous explorerons, à travers
les textes de chansons d’antan et les écrits de penseurs du XXe
siècle, la façon dont, armés de musique, les gueules cassées ont
souvent survécu à l’horreur sans nom, à l’atrocité, à l’épouvante.
Eric Miller
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Blandine Mitaut
B
La musique, par delà les mensonges du langage
Qu’est-ce que la vérité ? Comment est-elle transmise ? L’on
a longtemps considéré que le langage permettait de décrire le
réel, et à partir de là, de dire le vrai. Mais au XXe siècle, la
capacité du langage de transmettre la vérité est sérieusement
mise en doute. Et c’est alors que la musique apparaît comme
seule source possible de vérité. À travers les textes d’Henri Michaux, Jean-Jacques Rousseau et de Maurice Merleau-Ponty, je
propose de découvrir ce qui permet à l’homme de croire que la
musique représente la vérité et le langage parlé représente le
mensonge. J’interrogerai également les divers types de musique,
et exposerai la pertinence de la question de départ dans la société d’aujourd’hui.
Music, Beyond the Lie of Language
What is truth ? How is it transmitted ? It has long been considered that language permits one to describe the real, and through
such, to tell the truth. But in the twentieth century, the capacity
of language to transmit the truth was seriously put in doubt. It
is then that music became the only possible source of the truth.
23
Through the texts of Henri Michaux, Jean-Jacques Rousseau,
and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, I propose to discover what allows
man to believe that music represents the truth and spoken language represents a lie. I will also interrogate the different types
of music, and I will expose the pertinence of the question in
society today.
Annabelle Myers
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Blandine Mitaut
B
La musique et les souvenirs
Dans ce travail, j’explore l’impact de la musique sur la mémoire.
Comment la musique déclenche-t-elle le souvenir? Quand l’on
écoute de la musique, à quoi pense-t-on? Comment la musique
permet-elle d’accéder au passé ? Comment, par exemple, le fait
d’entendre un vieil air peut-il nous rappeler notre enfance ? À
travers les textes d’écrivains et philosophes français du XXe
siècle, je propose de traiter cette question.
Music and Memories
In this work, I explore the impact of music on memory. How
does music trigger memory? When you listen to music, what
do you think? How does music allow memories to rise from the
past? For example, how does listening to an old song remind
you of your childhood? I will explore these questions throughout the texts of French writers and philosophers of the 20th
century.
Sarah Stewart
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Blandine Mitaut
Time: 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Location: CUB 318
Petite histoire musicale de la
littérature française – II
A Musical History of French Literature II
Des Compositeurs aux ordinateurs
Depuis le développement des médias de masse au cours du
XXe siècle, il semblerait que la musique en occident ait été
placée sous le contrôle grandissant des grandes corporations
: les producteurs, les distributeurs, et les autres organisations
du monde médiatique. Cependant, avec la révolution apportée
par les ordinateurs, en particulier au début du XXIe siècle, les
programmes et logiciels de musique, en conjonction avec internet, ont renvoyé ce contrôle vers l’artiste individuel. Cet essai
illustrera comment ces innovations ont changé l’univers de la
musique populaire.
From Composers to Computers
Since the rise of mass media in the 20th century, it would seem
that control of the music industry in the Western world has
rested more and more in the hands of large corporations: the
producers, the distributors, and other mass media organizations.
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However, since the technical revolution of personal computers,
in particular those of the 21st century, the musical programs
available, in conjunction with the internet, have returned this
control to the individual artist. This essay will illustrate how
these innovations have changed the world of popular music.
Andrew Allison
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Blandine Mitaut
B
Est-ce que tu m’entends comme je t’entends?
Quel est le rôle de la musique, et quelle est son influence sur les
autres arts? Comment l’artiste est-il entendu du public ? Cette
présentation interrogera la façon dont la musique hante les autres arts, des écrivains aux musiciens, en passant par les peintres.
Mais pour commencer, qu’est-ce que “la musique”? Qu’est-ce
que l’”inspiration” ? Qu’est-ce qu’un ‘’artiste’’ ? Je propose ici de
redéfinir ces notions et concepts à travers divers textes empruntés à la littérature et à la pensée française du XXe siècle.
Are you hearing me like I’m hearing you?
What is the role of music, and what is its influence on the other
Arts? How is the artist heard by the public? This presentation
will question how music haunts the Arts- from writers and musicians to drawers and painters. But to begin, what exactly is
music? What is inspiration? What is an artist? I propose to redefine these terms and concepts using various expressions of art
from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Kimberly Bowers
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Blandine Mitaut
B
Actif ou passif? L’homme et la musique
Nous voudrions proposer une nouvelle catégorisation de
l’homme basée sur le rapport qu’il entretient à la musique, à
savoir compositeur/interprète ou auditeur. Ou encore actif Vs
passif. Nous interrogerons les notions de « bonne » ou « mauvaise » musique, et tenterons de redéfinir la musique à l’époque
moderne en nous basant sur les textes d’auteurs français du XXe
siècle, ainsi que sur divers morceaux de compositeurs français.
Julie Warburton
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Blandine Mitaut
B
“L’ouïe, c’est obéir’’: la musique renforce-t-elle le silence ?
La musique ? La musique ? La musique ? Pourquoi est-t-elle
si importante ? Si puissante ? La musique ne connaît pas de
barrières. Pas de murs. Pas de frontières. Pas même pour une
personne atteinte de surdité. Car les vibrations de la musique
pénètrent tout. Il n’y a rien qui empêche la musique de nous
parvenir et d’envahir nos oreilles. Pour l’homme, elle peut tantôt être une source de force ou de courage, tantôt induire la
pitié, l’amour, etc. Mais est-elle toujours une force bienfaisante
? Si la musique était si salutaire, pourquoi l’homme aurait-il
besoin, comme il dit parfois, de se « retrancher », se protéger,
s’abriter dans le silence ? Je propose ici d’interroger le lien entre
la musique et le silence et de redéfinir ces deux notions de «
musique » et de « silence » à travers les textes de penseurs et
écrivains français du XXe siècle.
“To Hear is to Obey”: Does Music Strengthen Silence?
Music? Music? Music? Why is it so important? So powerful?
Music knows no barriers. No walls. No borders. Not even to a
deaf ear. Sound penetrates, goes through, everything. There is
nothing preventing music from invading our ears. While music,
for Man, can be a source of strength and courage, can induce
mercy, or love, and as such is seen as a benevolent force, we
would like to suggest that music may not always be salutary.
Indeed, why would we otherwise need to shield ourselves from
it, and take refuge in silence? I propose here to examine the
relation between music and silence and redefine these two notions of “music “and “silence” through the texts of thinkers and
French writers of the 20th century.
Veronica Zewdu
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Blandine Mitaut
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: CUB 318
Understanding Class from a
Social Economic Perspective
Major Sporting Events and Crime: Philadelphia Case
Sporting events provide an opportunity for individuals to dissociate from their usual actions. Sports events have the potential
to encourage of rowdy behavior and drunkenness. The venues
play on emotional triggers of individuals and can cause the individual to act differently than he or she otherwise would. There
is much casual evidence that suggests an individual may become
more aggressive as a result of a sporting event. This paper seeks
to analyze how, and to what extent, different outcomes of major sporting events affect criminal acts. The association is to be
analyzed with data collected from Philadelphia Police in 2007
and the four major sports teams in 2007. The data is used on
a city-wide analysis because there is thought to be some radiation of effects from the locus of the stadiums throughout the
region. This radiation can be explained by physical vehicles (e.g.
people driving elsewhere after games); through the increase opportunity for such acts to be committed, emotions, or through
channels such as bars. What results is the verification of other
psychological theories that imply that sporting events have an
effect on the mental status of persons. It is shown that there is
evidence of contrasting crime rates on days with wins versus
days with losses.
Kevin Heron
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Freddy Siahaan
B
A Cross-Cultural Initiative:
Engaging China’s Middle Class
How Much for the Chalk: Government
Expenditures and the High School Dropout Rate
This study provides an evaluation of China’s growing middle
class, the new consumers for world economies, estimated to be
250-350 million people. By using internal analysis of market
and nonmarket variables, we detail how the future growth rate
of the middle class is dependent on four issues: market demands
from Generation Y, the implications for US consumers when
products ‘Made in China’ are ‘Sold in China’, western products
best suited for Chinese consumers, and the effect social-economic inequalities in western China will have on development
measures of the middle class. In particular, we discuss the decreasing strength of consumers in the United States, domestic
consumption trends of Generation Y in China, the valued opportunity of the science and technology industry, and unemployment shifts caused by the brain drain. Based on data collection, interviews, library research and econometric analyses, we
show how these above issues will continue to influence consumer behavior, reform policies, and the growth of the middle class
in China. It is important to note that economic growth and
prosperity will only continue if institutions, the national government, and individuals of China, along with the international
agendas of other countries, are in balance, and not excess, of the
resources and capabilities available for the desired growth levels.
JohnPaul Bennett
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Sarah Bryant
The United States dropout rate has been a major contributor
to the economic downturn. It is estimated that approximately
$13 billion will be lost in the next decade as a result of the
dropout trends in this country. Hispanics and blacks have the
highest numbers of dropouts with 55 percent of blacks and 52
percent of Hispanics graduating on time from high school as
opposed to their white counterparts who are graduating at a
greater level of 78 percent. In order to combat the problem of
dropouts we must look at the current measures that are being
taken by our government and the given community to help curb
dropout rates. Are the government expenditures truly hindering
students from dropping out of high school? The findings in this
paper indicate that Hispanics are more likely to stay in school as
more money is placed into their education capital.
Juan Zabala
Faculty Sponsor(s)/Moderator(s): Dr. Freddy Siahaan
B
25
26
Celebrating
Poster Session I
27
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Art
Location: CUB MPR
Winged Foot Sculpture
The winged foot will amplify cultural and economic growth,
as well as revitalization in the community. Our motivation –
professionally as well as personally – is to develop a work that
will outlast its creators while benefiting our beloved school. The
completion of this sculpture is the beginning of this goal. With
continued guidance and support, our team goal is to transform
not only the school landscape with this important and unique
piece of art, but also the lives of those community members
and students the University will have the privilege of serving
in the future. Research proves that public art answers to the
concerns of many different groups: Revitalization champions
benefit from increased public awareness and support as it lends
to rebuilding efforts; targeted audiences (in this case athletics)
envision it as a rallying point for a variety of venues; and community members will enjoy a piece of work that they can truly
call their own.
Neely Spence, Ben Mosley, and Jeff Kuratnick
Faculty Sponsor(s): Prof. Steve Dolbin and Dr. Sharnine
Herbert
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Biology
Location: CUB MPR
Microclimate Properties of Pileated Woodpecker
Cavities in South-central Pennsylvania During Winter
Woodpecker cavities are routinely used by secondary cavity
species. This may be especially true of Pileated Woodpecker
cavities, which are some of the largest cavities created by birds.
These cavities often serve as nesting or roosting sites for many
larger species of birds and mammals that are too large to utilize
the more plentiful cavities of smaller woodpeckers. The use of
these larger cavities during winter is especially important to the
survival of the species that use them because they may provide
a significant level of protection from wind and precipitation as
well as providing a warmer microclimate. Temperatures during the night are routinely colder than daytime temperatures
making these sites most beneficial for diurnal species that roost
at night. Understanding the physical characteristics of these
cavities and the temperature gradient difference from inside the
cavity to outside the cavity is of primary importance in elucidating the role that they may play in energy conservation for
species that roost in these cavities. We measured the temperature both inside and outside of four abandoned Pileated Woodpecker cavities in Michaux State Forest using temperature data
loggers. Pictures captured by trail cameras, which were focused
28
on cavity entrances, were used to determine use of the cavities. Additionally, increases in temperature well above ambient
that occurred inside of the cavity were considered an indicator
of use. Cavity properties including tree species, diameter, cavity entrance size, depth of cavity and cavity circumference were
also recorded.
Scott Bennett
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Nathan Thomas
B
Copper Resistant Plant-Pathogenic Bacteria
Copper is an important trace metal for the normal growth and
development of plants. While it plays a crucial role in these
biological processes, it can also be toxic in concentrations exceeding those required for growth. In addition to toxicity, high
levels of copper can play a role in the development of bacterial resistance to this compound. Recent literature has demonstrated that plant-pathogenic bacteria have developed copperresistance mechanisms, reducing the efficiency of copper-based
bactericides. To determine the extent of copper resistance in
stone fruit crops in central Pennsylvania, leaf samples (peach)
were collected from the Pennsylvania State University Fruit
Research & Extension Center (Biglerville, PA). Leaves from
three different treatment plots (no treatment, copper-treated,
and mycoshield (oxytetracycline) treated) were selected for testing. Leaf samples were suspended in buffer and shaken for 30
minutes to remove the bacteria attached to the leaf surface. Ten
fold dilutions were performed for each of the three treatments
and samples were plated on King’s B medium as well as King’s
B medium with varying concentrations of copper sulfate to determine the number of resistant bacteria. Plates were incubated
at 25°C and total colony forming units (CFU/ml) were determined for all treatments. Resistant colonies were present on all
copper concentrations. Individual colonies have been isolated
and are currently being subjected to further morphological and
biochemical characterization to presumptively identify isolates.
Samantha Dougherty and Sativa Volcy
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Marcie Baer-Lehman
B
DNA Analysis of Scat to Study Distribution of Species
Determining which animals are present in an area is useful for
wildlife researchers and population managers. We are analyzing
genomic DNA from scat in order to genetically verify which
predators are prevalent in our area. DNA isolated from epithelial cells that are shed with scat can be amplified by PCR using
primers specific to the cytochrome b/D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA. In order to distinguish between mitochondrial
sequences of different species, the PCR-amplified DNA is subjected to restriction digestion with several different restriction
enzymes. Since restriction enzymes cut DNA in a sequencespecific pattern, differences in DNA sequences are reflected by
the size of the DNA fragments produced by digestion. We have
chosen enzymes that should allow us to distinguish between red
fox, gray fox, coyote, and bobcats. This work could be expanded
to produce a detailed distribution analysis of local carnivores,
ultimately leading to a better understanding of predator prey
interactions.
Megan Veazey
Faculty Sponsor(s): Drs. Sherri Bergsten and Richard Stewart
B
ALFP Analysis of O.Obscures and O.Rusticus
Crayfish to Determine Hybridization
Invasive species have become a common problem for many
populations throughout the world. When hybridization takes
place between species there is a threat to biodiversity of the
population. O. obscurus is native to Pennsylvania, Eastern
Ohio, West Virginia and New York while O. rusticus is native to southwestern Ohio, Indian and Kentucky. Samples of
each species were collected from allopatric and sympatric sites.
Allopatric sites were only inhabited by either O. obscures or
O. rusticus and sympatric sites were inhabited by both species.
Original research focusing on studies of O. obscures and O.
rusticus crayfish morphologies identified individuals that were
not obviously one species or the other. This suggested possible
hybridization between the two species that could be detrimental to the genetic diversity of each. We are currently analyzing
hybridization at a molecular level using AFLP analysis. AFLP
analysis utilizes PCR amplification and polyacrylamide gel
electrophoresis to identify patterns of DNA sequence that are
the same and different between individuals. By analyzing these
genetic polymorphisms significant evidence should be found
to confirm hybridization between O. obscures and O. rusticus.
Confirming genetic hybrids would help to further prove the
need for environmental measures that maintain the genetic diversity of each species.
Rachel Kells and Rose Coons
Faculty Sponsor(s): Drs. Sherri Bergsten and Theo Light
OBP56d gene was chosen based on sequence similarity to a
family of pheromone-binding proteins, and a portion of this
gene has been cloned into a transformation vector designed to
produce double-stranded RNA in transgenic flies. Results of
mating assays with transgenic flies show a small impact on timing of courtship behavior. We are also in the process of cloning
a portion of the gustatory receptor, Gr94a, into an RNAi transformation vector.
Brielle Dalious, Kristin Bowman, Magen Hutson, and
Dale Haupt
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Sherri Bergsten
B
The Detection of Serine-Protease Autotransporters of
Enterobacteriaceae (Spates) within the Phylogenetic
Framework of the Invasive Escherichia Coli
B
Enteric bacterial pathogens such as Shigella and the enteroinvasive pathovar of Escherichia coli (EIEC) are a bacterial cause
of diarrheal diseases in humans and non-human primates. The
pathogenic phenotype is due to the gain of a large virulence
plasmid, the acquisition of mobile blocks of virulence genes
known as pathogenicity islands, and loss-of-function mutations caused by large genomic deletions (called “black holes”)
or smaller changes (SNPs or indels) that result in antivirulence
loci. Together, these genomic changes have enhanced virulence
characteristics in Shigella and EIEC. Many of the pathovars of
E. coli and Shigella are able to produce high-molecular-weight
serine protease autotransporters (SPATEs) which function
in virulence by causing damage to the host. In this study, we
examined the distribution of SPATES within a phylogenetic
framework to determine if there is lineage specific acquisition in
Shigella and EIEC. This approach can provide candidate genes
that can be used to identify lineages responsible for the most
virulent infections.
Kimberly Simmons and Darin Longenecker
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Alyssa Bumbaugh
Impact of Impaired Pheromone Detection on
Courtship Behavior in Drosophila Melanogaster
B
Courtship behavior in the fruit fly involves a reproducible set of
steps dependent on sensory information. Male flies use available sensory cues such as vision and pheromone detection as
signals to initiate behaviors that are part of the courtship ritual.
One easily observed aspect of male courtship behavior is the
wingsong, which is a species-specific vibration of the wing. We
can monitor the time until wingsong in mating assays between
a single virgin male and a single virgin female as a measure of
the impact of particular environmental and genetic factors on
courtship behavior. We have compared flies that are visually
impaired and flies with reduced sensitivity to pheromones in
order to evaluate the role that alcohol plays in different sensory
systems. Our results suggest that alcohol has more of an impact on pheromone mediated behavior. We are also currently
using RNAi to generate flies deficient in specific gene products
proposed to be important for a response to pheromones. The
The Investigation of Repetitive Element Genome
Profiling to Differentiate Between Isolates of
the Plant Pathogen Erwinia Tracheiphila
Erwinia tracheiphila, a Gram negative bacterial pathogen,
causes vascular wilt disease in cucurbits. The bacterium is
transmitted between host plants by cucumber beetle vectors
(Diabrotica and Acalymma spp.) as they feed and defecate on
the leaves of the plant with the bacterial infection causing the
loss of millions of dollars worth of crops each year. Much is
known about the pathogen-vector relationship between the
Erwinia and beetles and the effects on the host plant tissues
once infection has begun but little information is known about
the population genetics or genomic composition of the E. tracheiphila pathogen. In this study, we used ERIC (enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus)-PCR, a random amplifica29
tion method to generate a DNA fingerprint for E. tracheiphila
isolates. Our results indicate that we can differentiate isolates
using ERIC-PCR which can be used to track epidemiological
differences based on location or season.
Katy Ryan and Oumou Belemou
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Alyssa Bumbaugh
B
Fish Diversity in Salt Marsh Tidal
Pools at Wallops Island Virginia
Fish Diversity in Salt Marsh Tidal Pools at Wallops Island,
Virginia, USA. -Saltwater marshes represent coastal ecosystems perceived to have rich biodiversity but characterized by the
presence of a dominant marine intertidal plant such as Spartina
sp. Within these ecosystems, hydrographic and topographic peculiarities determine the presence, density, and characteristics of
intertidal pools. These pools are “temporary islands” of aquatic
biodiversity with complex and dynamic communities that link
aquatic and terrestrial environment. In June of 2009, we sampled three tidal pools at Wallops Island, VA, to determine their
chemical characteristics and fish community composition. Our
seining protocol captured four different species of fish, a total
of 1845 individuals, of which 53.49% were Sheepshead Minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus). The Marsh Killifish (Funduluds
confluentus) with 35% was the second most abundant species.
The sex ration in the Sheephead Minnows was approximately
99.7:0.3 in favor of females. Pools average physicochemical
characteristics were within normal limits; dissolved oxygen 4.88
mg/L, salinity 31.3 ppt, temperature 31.2 oC, and water volume 54.31 m3. Harsh, highly fluctuating, conditions might be
some of the factors determining decreased fish species richness
and favoring the success of a specialist, such as the Sheephead
Minnow, in intertidal pools in the saltwater marshes of Wallops
Island.
Robert Koroncai
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Pablo Delis
B
Expression, Cloning, and Sequencing of the Autophagy
Related Gene Atg13 in SNB-19 Brain Tumor Cells
Expression, cloning and sequencing of the autophagy related
gene Atg13 in SNB-19 brain tumor cell—Autophagy is a cellular process that involves the degradation of old organelles and
macromolecules in cells deprived of nutrients. Autophagy also
plays a role in cell differentiation and resistance to pathogens.
Defects in autophagy have been linked to some neurodegenerative diseases and tumor progression. The process is marked
by the formation of double membrane autophagosomes, which
sequester cytosolic components to be targeted for degradation
by lysosomes. Previous studies in Dr. Elliott’s laboratory have
isolated, cloned and sequenced several autophagy related ex-
30
pressed genes from SNB-19 brain tumor cells. One gene, Atg5,
was found to contain a deletion mutation which resulted in a
frameshift mutation. In this study cDNA for Atg13, which
forms a complex with other autophagy related proteins essential for the formation of pre-autophagosome membranes, was
amplified, cloned and sequenced. Preliminary results indicate
that the cDNA represents an alternatively spliced mRNA that
is highly homologous to Homo sapiens KIAA0652 (Atg13),
transcript variant 2, mRNA (NM_014741). Our cDNA contains two point mutations which change the codons for two
amino acids in the protein.
Joseph Thomas and Emily Swartz
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Lucinda Elliott
B
Role of Atg5 on Kinetics of Expression of Autophagy
Related Genes in Adherent Glioma Cells
Autophagy is a cellular process that involves recycling of organelles and cytosol macromolecules in response to cellular stress.
Autophagy has also been implicated in various differentiation
pathways, processing of pathogens, cell survival and neurodegenerative diseases. Further it may represent an alternative
mechanism of programmed cell death and tumor suppression.
It is regulated by multiple Atg genes and involves wrapping
cytoplasm contents in double membrane vesicles, autophagosomes, for targeting to lysosomes. Previous studies in our lab
demonstrated that Atg5, which is critical for autophagosome
formation, is mutated and not functional in SNB19 glioma cells
(SNB19M). In this study, we used RT-PCR to compare the
expression of autophagy proteins, Atg5, Beclin, LC3, Atg 12,
and Atg 13 in SNB19M and SNB19 cells expressing functional
Atg5 (SNB19N) under conditions that stimulate autophagy.
The data indicate that the expression of functional Atg5 shifts
the kinetic pattern of expression of all Atg genes investigated
in this study.
Nitasha Kaur and Ashley Martin
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Lucinda Elliott
Chemistry
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Synthesis of 9-methylsulfinylacridine
Cleavage of DNA is an important mechanism in many cancer
therapies. Aryl sulfoxides are a class of compounds that have
been shown to photochemically cleave DNA. 9-methylsulfinylacridine, an aryl sulfoxide, is an interesting synthetic target
because of potential to both induce DNA cleavage but also bind
to DNA through its acridine moiety. The two step synthesis of
9-methylsulfinylacridine will be presented here.
Ivy Otieno, Alison Coleman, and Elysia Koons
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Allison Predecki
Counseling and College
Student Personnel
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Diva’s Day Out — An Attempt to Increase
Self Esteem in 4th and 5th Grade Girls
Difficult images and messages portrayed by the media and experiences with relational aggression, in conjunction with difficult personal and social transitions can lead pre-adolescent girls
to develop low self-esteem. The goal of this study is to discover the relationship between the “Diva’s Day Out” program
and levels of self-esteem in pre-adolescent girls. The potential
benefits of this study are numerous and include the possibility
to curb the downward spiral of adolescent self-esteem. The profession of school counseling strives to be preventive rather than
reactive; therefore this study hopes to open the door to positive
interventions that will better the future of pre-adolescent girls.
Jocelyn Kraus, Amanda Burger, Natasha Nayduch,
and Molly Ngyuen
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Marcy Douglass
Criminal Justice
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Crime Mapping with ArcGIS
Computer-generated crime maps offer law enforcement agencies a means of visualizing crime problems. The traditional pin
maps were limited to a static representation of crime locations,
which were not easily queried or archived. Today, Geographic
Information System (GIS) mapping applications provide a geocoded, relational database that will display spatial distributions
of crime along with other theoretically relevant factors. I plan
to use a geo-coded map of Mechanicsburg acquired from Cumberland County and isolate the borough and the police department’s jurisdiction. I will then plot points on this map to show
the spatial distribution of non-violent property crimes (major
and minor) reported to the Mechanicsburg Police in 2008 and
2009 respectively. By doing this, I will be able to display the exact location, density, time of year and day, and average distance
from the police station these crimes are occurring. The research
methodology offers an opportunity to test Cohen and Felson’s
Routine Activities theory which views crime as the convergence
in time and space of likely offenders.
Cody Wertz
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Laura Patterson
B
MAYSI-2 Assessment of Mental Health
Symptoms Among Juvenile Detainees
Massachusetts Youth Screening Instruments (MAYSI-2) is
a mental health assessment that measures clinical cutoffs for:
Alcohol/Drug Use, Angry/Irritable, Depressed-Anxious, Somatic Complaints, and/or Suicide Ideation (Cauffman, 2004).
The MAYSI-2, in its second iteration, is administered to youth
shortly after their admission into detention centers in throughout Pennsylvania. This research will examine to what extent the
emergent risk identified by this triage tool directs referrals to
treatment resources and informs our understanding or mental
health issues in juvenile detention populations.
Lisa Zook
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Laura Patterson
Economics
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Investors’ Mood and Stock Market Performance
Evidence in psychology and finance suggests that people’s
moods influence their decision making. In this paper, I document the effects of mood on stock trading volume. Previous
literature on this topic includes research on the correlation of
weather, holidays, and stock market returns. In this paper, I approach several factors as being a function of mood. I found that
certain factors of mood do affect the trading volume of stocks
for a particular exchange. The factors of mood affecting trading
volume are the days before and after federal holidays, the trading volume on Thursdays and Fridays, and the open interest
futures contracts for coffee. These results are consistent with
results from similar studies.
Nicholas Godshall
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Freddy Siahaan
B
Relationship Between the Housing Market
Performance and Commercial Banks’ Stock Price
In tough economic conditions, it is likely that individuals will
begin to wonder what factors contribute to the overall stability
of the economy. More specifically, people began to question why
there is so much buzz in the commercial banks and the earlier
sub-prime mortgage crisis. Much of our economic downturn
was directly caused by a meltdown of commercial banks ability
to lend without having a large number of toxic loans, which
cripple the functionality of a commercial bank’s operations. In
this paper, I find that it is apparent that there is a significant
impact on commercial bank stock price performance in relation
to the housing market’s performance.
Chad Thomas
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Freddy Siahaan
31
Should We Really Legalize Marijuana?
The hypothesis is marijuana can be legalized because it does not
have a large effect on crime. The methodology used was regression analysis using STATA. This regression analysis compares
different characteristics of individuals and the effect it has on
crime. The variable of interest is number of times smoked marijuana. In all of the regressions, marijuana has a strong, positive
correlation with all of the crimes, especially shoplifting. However, some literature agrees and disagrees with these results, and
some go so far as to offer reasons why marijuana is falsely accused of causing crime. Despite the literature, the regression
causes the hypothesis to be false meaning marijuana does have
an effect on crime so, marijuana should not be legalized.
Stacie Stuart
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Freddy Siahaan
B
The Effects of Mortgage Loan
Availability on National Output
Due to the recent economic downturn, many American consumers are looking to financial institutions for monetary help.
In turn, lending authorities have had to use stricter judgment
on the amount of loans given. In this paper regression analysis
combined with Granger causality are used to determine if mortgage loan availability has an effect on United State’s national
output. Results from two different regressions using loans given
in dollar amounts as the dependent variable and GDP, 30 year
fixed rate mortgage interest rates, winter, spring, and fall as the
independent variables, then vice versa with GDP used as the
dependent variable all else remaining the same; show that in
fact mortgage loan availability does not have a direct effect of
national output. However, the two items are correlated. From
this the question still remains of what other variables have a
direct effect on national output.
Ashley James
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Freddy Siahaan
Exercise Science
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
The Effect of Adidas Techfit PowerWeb
Short Tights on Anaerobic Variables
The purpose of this study was to determine if the Adidas Techfit short tights enhanced power output and running speed in
various anaerobic sports movements. Twelve male collegiate
track and field athletes completed a vertical jump test, margariakalamen step test, and a 40 m sprint test with and without the
Techfit shorts. A vertec device was used to measure the greatest of three maximal jump efforts on control and experimental
days. The margaria-kalamen test consisted of each subject run-
32
ning up a flight of stairs touching the 3rd, 6th, and 9th steps.
An electronic timing device began counting when the subject
touched the timing pad on step 3, and ended when the timing
pad on step 9 was touched. The best time of the three trials was
recorded. The 40 m sprint test was done indoors using an electronic timing device. Each subject ran 3 trials with and without the Techfit shorts. Again, the best time was recorded from
the control and experimental tests. The vertical jump (p> .05),
and 40 m sprint tests (p> .05) showed no significance between
groups. The subjects produced significantly greater absoulute
and relative power during the margaria-kalamen test (p<.05)
when they wore the Techfit shorts.
While speed or vertical
jump height does not appear to be greater when using the Adidas Techfit shorts, the power output increased approximately
4% during the margaria-kalamen test. Further research should
be conducted to determine the possible reasons that power output was increased in one test, but not the others.
David Sipes, Donald Graybill, John Cawley, and
Danielle Haas
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Russell Robinson
B
Influence of Creatine Supplementation on
Delayed-onset of Muscle Soreness
Many studies have supported the notion that creatine supplementation has a positive effect on power production and exercise
recovery. Some studies even suggest that supplementing with
creatine may help recovery from muscle damage or protect from
disruption of the muscle membrane. Purpose. The purpose of
this study was to examine the impact of creatine supplementation on delayed-onset of muscle soreness (DOMS). Methods.
A double-blind assignment of 3 grams of creatine per day for 7
days or a dextrose placebo was given to 8 (7 male, 1 female) recreationally active college students (age 21.13 ±1.73) with some
strength training experience. Subjects performed a one-rep max
(1RM) test as well as baseline measurements before a protocol
of 5 sets of supra-maximal biceps curls with free weights on
the non-dominant arm. Baseline and follow-up measurements
(elbow range of motion, muscle soreness, arm girth, hang grip
strength) were obtained prior to the DOMS induction protocol, immediately after and 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 and 168
h later. Results. No significant differences were seen between
any of the dependent measures between experimental groups;
however, significant muscle damage and strength deficits were
experienced. Small sample size limited the results of the study,
as a trend was seen in strength recovery of the creatine group.
Conclusion. No significant effects can be determined for the
use of creatine to enhance muscle damage recovery, supporting
the current research findings.
Jacob Biondi and Andrew Blass
Faculty Sponsor(s): Drs. Russell Robinson and Turi Braun
Finance and Supply
Chain Management
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Optimal Debt: The Effects of Capital Structure
on Financial Performance in the American
Banking Industry: An Empirical Study
This paper investigates the performance of commercial banks
during the period of 1993-2008 to show that an optimal capital structure exists in relation to profitability. The commercial
banks were sorted from the largest to smallest holdings of total
assets; and an examination was conducted showing these top
banks share a common denominator on the balance sheet in the
form of debt-to-equity. Using the ratio of debt-to-equity as the
independent variable, and net income, return on equity (ROE),
return on assets (ROA), equity multiplier (EM), profit margin
(PM), and asset utilization (AU) as the dependent variables, the
relationship between a bank’s capital structure and profitability
is examined. Through this analysis, trends along with correlations directly related to the comparison of these variables are
examined. This information is useful to any bank manager or
investor seeking a commercial bank as an investment.
Jonathan Moats, Katie Marshall, Ryan Youngstrand,
and John Kolb
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Paul Chiou
Geography/Earth
Science
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Determining the Productivity of Submerged
Aquatic Vegetation in the Chincoteague Bay
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) are the primary producers of the estuarine ecosystem. SAV are flowering marine
plants rooted in soft sediment coastal, estuarine and freshwater
habitats (Dennison et al. 1993). Submerged aquatic vegetation
perform photosynthesis while completely submerged in water.
During photosynthesis, plants use light to transform carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates (glucose) and oxygen (Garrison 2005). This process binds carbon into carbohydrates and
in effect sequesters carbon dioxide into the biomass of SAV
(Garrison 2005). Thus, SAV reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the ocean and replaces it with oxygen. This enables
the ocean to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide and provides
marine organisms with vital oxygen. In addition, SAV also improves water quality by absorbing nutrients, filtering sediment
and limit coastal erosion (Green and Short 2003, Bergstrom
et al. 2006). Therefore, quantifying productivity of submerged
aquatic vegetation is critical in order to better understand the
estuarine ecosystem. This study will determine the productiv-
ity of submerged aquatic vegetation in the Chincoteague Bay
through the formulation and utilization of a geographic information system (GIS).
Kaja Spaseff
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Sean Cornell
B
Investigating the Usefulness of the USGS Coastal
Vulnerability Index: Realized and Potential Impacts of
Storm Surge Events on Three Different Atlantic and
Caribbean Coastlines: Delmarva Peninsula, Virginia;
Florida Keys, Florida; and Curacao, Netherlands
Coastal landscapes are among the most familiar observed by
the average American, yet we fail to appreciate the geologic and
biologic processes that shape them. We understand little about
their responses to storms and sea-level change, or how they can
protect our growing coastal communities. Coastal ecosystems
have natural lines of defense that protect coastlines by dampening the effects of storm surge and limiting floods and erosion.
The U.S. Geological Survey implements a Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) for assessing coastline sensitivity to sea-level
rise. This CVI uses six physical variables to assign a risk value
for each, based on the “potential magnitude of its contribution
to physical changes” to the coast (Thieler & Klose, 1999). The
geomorphology variable “expresses the relative erodibility of
different landform types” (Thieler & Klose, 1999); those types
assigned a risk value of 5, or “very high”, include barrier beaches, salt marshes, mangroves, and coral reefs. However, these
coastal ecosystems, when functioning properly, have proven invaluable for their ability to minimize damage from storm surge.
The CVI needs to be re-examined in order to compensate for
the mitigation abilities of those landform types included in the
highest-risk category.
This study investigates three different coastal ecosystems (Virginia salt marsh – barrier island, Florida reef – mangrove, and
Curacao reef – terrace complexes) and their geomorphologies
and ecologies in order to understand how they function to minimize the impact of storms. Each case study is based on coastal
changes attributed to specific storm events through pre- and
post-storm assessments.
Veronica Woodlief
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Sean Cornell
B
Effects of Sprawl on Physical Health
What are the physical effects of suburban sprawl on the population? Sidewalks are rarely used, cars are imperative to most
people’s everyday travel, and zoning regulations are making it
harder to make closely built towns like in traditional neighborhoods. People are rarely walking to their destinations now. Due
to sprawl, fast food chains are becoming more prevalent in society as a quick means to get food while on the go. These fast
food chains, while quick, are unhealthy. With the decrease in
33
physical activity due to the heavy reliance on vehicular transportation and with the increased popularity of fast food chains,
we are seeing a heavier population resulting. The increasing rate
of obesity means additional health risks are increasing as well
(because obesity is commonly associated with an increased risk
of heart disease and diabetes). Obesity is just one of the negative outcomes that I can see of sprawl on the population. To
explore this topic, I will be delving into sociological and geographical methods of research. The sociological perspective will
be honing in on the trends of people relying on fast food restaurants for meals, using cars as opposed to walking, and comparing the obesity rates between urban, rural, and suburban areas.
Through geography, I will be analyzing how the lay of the land
creates strong dependence on the newest trends, including the
increased distance between people and their daily needs and the
way land is used (particularly with zoning laws).
Angela Shultz
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Claire Jantz
B
Evaluation of Factors Impacting the Quality
of Riparian Buffers in the Chesapeake
Bay Watershed, 1984 to 2006
This research examines the quality of riparian buffers in the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed at a subwatershed scale. Land cover
data from 1984, 1992, 2001 and 2006 is used to derive buffer
quality. The assessment is based on a methodology devised by
Natural Lands Trust that incorporates land cover and stream
order to determine the quality of existing buffers as healthy riparian ecosystems. 30 meter buffers are assessed on both sides
of the water body. A comparison establishes watersheds where
the quality of the buffers changed over the 22 year time period.
Factors such as urbanization that drive changes to buffer quality
are subsequently examined.
Karen Stretton
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Claire Jantz
History/Philosophy
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
“I Ain’t So Tough:” The Rise and Fall of
Gangster Films in Depression America
The cycle of Gangster films that began in 1930 with the release
of Little Caesar and ended in 1932 with the release of Scarface
is distinctive of other films of the Gangster genre. These films
were pre-code and pushed the limits of censor boards across
the country. My paper discusses the characteristics of pre-code
gangster films, focusing specifically on the big three, Little Caesar, Public Enemy, and Scarface. These characteristics include
upward social mobility, the treatment of women, and the view
of government and law enforcement officials. I look at what
made these films appealing to the American public and look
34
to the time period they were released (1930-1932) to determine why they were so popular. The view of the government,
the hardships of the Great Depression, the drive to achieve the
American Dream are all covered as possible reasons for popularity. The film genre ended as quickly as it began and the
reasons behind this downfall are also analyzed. These reasons
include the problems that these films encountered with censors
both through the state and through the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association and how the Production
Code would not allow further films to go into production with
the same characteristics of the big three.
Tiffany Weaver
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Steven Burg
B
Student Activism of the 1970s
The shooting at Kent State on May 4, 1970 was one of our
Nations greatest tragedies. Political activism against the war in
Vietnam was happening everywhere, and it especially showed
up at Universities across the Nation. Although no student protest resulted in quite as bad scenario as Kent State there were
other universities across the nation in which violent actions
were occurring. This project will take an in depth look at Student Activism of the Vietnam war as well as other acts of violence towards University students. We will take a Shippensburg
University, Kent State, University of Southern California and
University of North Carolina before and after the events of the
Kent State shootings.
Thomas Carano, Carolyn Blasek, Lauren Remetta,
Jason Goetz, and Thomas Price
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward
B
Media During the Vietnam War
Media during Wartime; our group picked to research the media’s involvement in the Vietnam War during the 1970s. In our
project, we will examine how the role of media affected the reaction triggered by the Vietnam War. The war in Vietnam was
the first that was covered by the news, filmed, and streamed
into the living rooms of the American public. The war became
known as a “living room war” for it was broadcasted and documented on film, which was accessible to the public through
their televisions . The media did not always censor what was
filmed, allowing the public for the first time to see what went
on overseas . These graphic images did not appear frequently on
television until 1968, the Tet offence, and in 1972 the Spring
offence. As a result of these images, the American public reacted to war in a way they had never before. As the war began to look less like a war that America should be involved in,
troops interviewed on television expressed their negative feelings of the war. This negative vibe in the latter half of the war
rubbed off on the American public, spurring anti-war movements which had earlier been thought of as communist. For
our project, we will research the media’s influence on American
culture . We will also find how mass media swayed people to
either support the war, or be against the war . We will compare
the effects of media on earlier wars such as World War II, and
the media’s involvement in later wars such as the war in Iraq
with the Vietnam War. As America got further into the war in
Vietnam, feelings about the war changed, and in our project, we
will find out why the feelings of America as a whole changed,
and why a few remained pro war.
Kim Aherne, Andrea Murdock, Kayla Reed, Destinee
Koons, and Stephanie Snyder
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward
B
Anti-Vietnam War Protests on College Campuses
Blood, violence, death -- these three things were not in short
supply during the Vietnam War era. However from out of the
ashes of war a new stream of student activism arose. Directly
related to the war was the Anti-Vietnam War movement. This
movement spread from college campus to college campus, and
engulfed the entire United States. From political mobilization
to the use of the teach-in, the students that participated in this
movement planted some of the seeds for what would become
Earth Day. Our group will present the history of Anti-Vietnam
War protests. Anti-War protests are just one manifestation of
student activism, similar to the students voicing their opinion
and creating the first Earth Day. Using a mix of primary and
secondary source research, our presentation will show the importance of Anti-Vietnam War protests in voicing the opinions
of young people of the time.
Tyler Williams, Doug Trahey, Ben Moharter, Scott
Murphy, Andrew Farnsworth, and Ben Goss
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward
B
Compacting Suburbia: An Evaluation of the
Success of New Urbanist Communities
New Urbanism promotes the use of compact, mixed-use,
shared space in order to offer an alternative type of community to classic suburbia. The brainchild of planners and architects, New Urbanism provides communities that are pedestrian
friendly as a result of sidewalks and the close proximity of retail
areas to residential areas, thus leaving a smaller carbon footprint. The compact nature of New Urbanist communities eliminates sprawl and provides more room for farmlands and the
conservation of natural environments. Despite the practicality,
environmental responsibility, and forward thinking that New
Urbanist communities represent, criticism of these communities has come from both the private and public sectors. In order
to evaluate the current success of New Urbanist communities,
I will examine the development of New Urbanism and its relationship with both private interests and public policy. I will
look at the challenges current zoning laws present to planners
and architects. I will use census data in order to determine the
extent to which New Urbanist communities are economically
and racially diverse. In particular, I will use the Kentlands, an
award-winning New Urbanist community located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, as a case study. I will examine both the available literature and Kentlands itself in order to evaluate its success as a New Urbanist community. By using both historical and
sociological approaches in assessing the New Urbanist movement, my project will determine whether or not New Urbanist
communities serve their intended purpose and what measure of
success these communities have experienced.
Kate DiNolfi
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward
Human
Communication Studies
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Feminist Criticism of a Women’s Nike
Campaign Advertisement
A Nike advertisement campaign targeting women’s body parts
is rhetorically critiqued using the Feminist theory in order to
discover and identify elements used to suggest gender and what
elements support the ideology of domination is challenged and
transformed. Certain elements are used in order to target a specific gender for advertisement purposes.
Hilary Addleman
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Doreen Baringer
B
Understanding Divorce in America:
A Rhetorical Analysis
The purpose of this proposal is to understand why divorce is
considered bad in America. First of all I must define what divorce exactly is? According to Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of divorce is: A legal process in which a judge or other authority dissolves the bonds oh matrimony existing between two
persons, thus restoring them to the status of being single and
permitting them to marry other individuals. (ape) The word divorce derives from the Latin word divortium. I believe there
are three factors in why divorce is looked down upon. It goes
against traditional standards, it causes complications within the
family with both the parents and children, and it is a financial
burden. In this proposal I will prove my hypothesis to be true
by using the rhetorical technique cluster criticism on various
scholarly articles to illustrate how divorce is considered bad.
Lawrence Edwards II
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Doreen Baringer
B
35
Sex and the City through Feminist
and Fantasy Criticism
This is a rhetorical criticism on the popular movie “Sex and
the City” using Feminist Criticism paired with Fantasy- theme
Criticism. The reasoning for using the particular criticisms and
artifact is to find out more about the stereotypes that are formed
in modern day societies about women. Critiquing one of the
most popular movies in the female community will help understand if the entertainment business is playing into the stereotyping of women. It will also help understand if the movie has
an effect on how women view these stereotypes.
Casey Quickel
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Doreen Baringer
B
Self Disclosure in Long- and ShortDistance Relationships
The purpose of this quantitative study will be to look at the
similarities and differences between long and short distance relationships at a college level. The main purpose of this study is
to see if there is any less of a personal connection with a significant other in a long distance relationship as opposed to a
short distance relationship where physical contact is made on a
regular basis. The underling theory behind this research will be
the theory of self disclosure as stated by Joseph Luft and Harry
Ingham (Seiler and Beall 2008). The significance of this study
will show the effects of self disclosure in a long distance relationship, and the effects that can have on a couple. The study is
realistic because the results will be a learning tool for everyone.
Miles Harriger
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Doreen Baringer
B
Influence of Conflict Management Styles on
Romantic Couples Quantity of Communication
and Overall Relationship Satisfaction
My study will aim to determine how different types of conflict management affect the amount of communication and the
overall relationship satisfaction romantic couples have. While
this topic has been looked at in various forms of previous research, it is of importance because it can help advance the study
of communication in relationships. There is a broad range of
topics that fall in this communication area so it is important to
continue studying and discovering all the possibilities. I think
the narrower a topic can be broken down; the better it can be
understood. I hope to provide a better understanding on this
topic and uncover insights that have not yet been previously
addressed; in particular, the benefits of successful conflict management and amount of communication and positive relationship satisfaction. My research will hopefully answer the question, how does successful conflict management affect the time
couples spend communicating and their feeling of relationship
satisfaction; as well as vice versa with negative conflict manage36
ment. Currently most literature looks at the theories of conflict
management as the basis of their research, and others look at
why couples have or do not have relationship satisfaction. With
my research I want to look deeper into the questions of ‘how’ as
it applies to these topics instead of the questions of ‘why’ that
have been addressed by other researchers.
Whitney Green
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Doreen Baringer
B
Communicating Through Text Messages
Cell phones have become a major way of communicating with
members of our society. Much of our communication with others is now done via text messaging and e-mail. My research will
look at how these shifts are affecting individual’s communication patterns and if the same problems that are reported in face
to face interaction also occur through these methods of communication The purpose of this study will be to gain a deeper
understanding of the way text message use differs between
males and females. This study will examine how individuals use
text messaging in their day to day communication and if males
and females use texting for different reasons. It will also look at
the role that gender plays in the likeliness of self disclosure via
text message. This study will discuss gendered differences in
face to face communication and use interviews of college age
males and females to discover if those differences remain constant when individuals communicate through text messages.
Jillian Cook
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Doreen Baringer
B
Self-Disclosure in Online Communication
Between Men and Women
For my 2010 research study, I propose to do a relational, quantitative study of self-disclosure in online communication. My
primary focus for the online communication will be the social
networking site, Facebook. I chose this site because it is the
most prevalent networking site among college students and has
recently grown to occupy a larger user base outside of college
students to include people in their middle ages. I plan to develop a survey to be completed by college students as well as
professors and people within the two defined age groups who
have a Facebook account. The two age groups will be defined as
the “first users” of Facebook ranging from 18 to 25 years of age
and the middle age group ranging from 30 to 45 years of age.
I believe there will be a significant difference in the amount of
self-disclosure between these two groups of individuals. I also
plan to break those two groups into two more groups, males
and females to see the amount of self-disclosure between the
two genders.
Kyla Swope
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Doreen Baringer
B
That’s What She Said
NBC’s hit sitcom The Office is entertaining, funny, and very
popular, but is there more to this satirical hit? Women have
come a long way in respect to being able to vote, entering the
workforce, and obtaining legitimate political power. By the
books, it seems as if women have obtained power and equality.
But have they? Media portrayals of women seem to offer something different whether it is in advertisements, television shows,
or the movies. Often times in the media, women are portrayed
in one of two ways: sex objects (promiscuous and immoral) or
as homemakers (piety, purity, submissiveness, and domesticity).
Both of these portrayals carry negative associations—associations that don’t exist with men in the media. This study will
investigate how The Office continues these sexist stereotypes
through a feminist criticism. To many, The Office is a different
kind of comedy because it is a mockumentary, but is it really
that different from other sitcoms? No, it is simply following in
the path that the media has been taking for years. Personally, it’s
always left me smiling and satisfied. That’s what she said.
Rylan Good
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
B
out if student athletes partake in drinking more because they do
not have that bond with people when they come to college and
they feel a need to be accepted so they chose drinking.
Garyon Johnson
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
Mathematics
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Hypermiling: A Math Model
This research project analyzes the driving technique known as
hypermiling. A math model was built using Microsoft Excel
to simulate and compare the fuel efficiency of a car stopped
at a red light that accelerates to the speed limit to a car that
coasts through the same red light in neutral and accelerates to
the speed limit.
Alexander Snyder
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Paul Taylor
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Physics
Location: CUB MPR
A Generic Rhetorical Analysis: Sex
Exploitation in Hip-Hop and the Jezebel
Drag Reduction and Optimizing
Performance of a Model Rocket
The exploitation of women within hip-hop has become more
accepted to the eye of both the artist and the audience. There
has been blame directed towards the music instead of searching much deeper to see where the problems stem from. While
all youth in society do not view hip-hop through sex, mainstream hip-hop will eventually influence them to begin to provide them with sexist ideals. Mainstream hip-hop intends to be
very influential on today’s society. Through the use of generic
criticism I plan to conduct research that will better help aid my
understanding of the use and prevalence of the sexual exploitation in hip-hop as well as the appearance of the Jezebel through
hip-hop. Also plan to obtain an understanding as to why women allow themselves to be exploited through the media in such
ways that occur in the industry. As research is conducted I intend to find why the black woman allows herself to be sexually
exploited in hip hop. I also want to find out why is it acceptable
amongst the protagonist (artist) of hip-hop to be exploited.
Tyneisha Irvin
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
We live in a time when everything is stressed to have efficiency.
The smallest, lightest, most useful – getting the best bang for
your buck. It applies to everything; from computers to clothing, cars to rockets. And in this case, this project was about just
that. ‘Drag Reduction and Optimizing Performance of a Model
Rocket’ is research project intended to get the most altitude out
of an efficient design based around a given set of constraints.
These constraints are the use of a limited size motor (to constrain the available power), a minimum diameter along the body
(so payloads may be carried), and it must not break in any way
during flight so that it is reusable within a short time. These
parameters are some of what real aerospace engineers face every
day in their task of designing space vehicles. Obviously, there
are many designs of rockets, each having key features to emphasize their role. In the case of efficiency, altitude designs reigns
supreme. To get as far as possible on as little as needed is of
utmost importance. Drag reduction is the biggest factor; simply
put, if the drag is lower, efficiency increases. This research project will evaluate rockets and the effects of drag on them, how
to minimize that drag, and optimizing other factors to get the
best efficiency possible. A model will then be built and flown in
a competition to prove the design’s proficiency.
Lucas Kalathas
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Allen Armstrong
B
Drinking Behaviors Among Student Athletes
as a Social Penetration Strategy
I am doing a study on a person’s uncertainty reduction and social penetration as related to drinking behaviors as associated
with student and non-student athletes. Meaning I want to find
37
Psychology
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Language’s Contribution to Statistical Expertise
Within the domain of expertise, research has identified an inconclusive relationship between a subject’s ‘status’ (either undergraduate, graduate, or professor) and their performance on
a specific task. Furthermore, research suggests there to be an
‘intermediate effect’ in which advanced students outperform
experts within the same domain because of more recent coursework and current domain-related experiences. This study seeks
to examine this relationship, specifically performance on statistical problem-solving and its connection to vocabulary knowledge. A statistical domain is practical to expertise research
because it incorporates a high level of understanding acquired
through both domain-general skills (such as attention and
memory) and domain-specific skills (deliberate practice and
language). Statistics is also consistently taught to psychology
students in conjunction with a research design course and can be
conveniently measured. Forty undergraduate and forty graduate
students will be recruited from Shippensburg University’s psychology courses. Faculty members will be recruited from psychology departments within local universities. Subject data will
be collected through three separate tests (two vocabulary and
one problem-solving). Tests were created using material from
several statistics and research methods courses for psychology
students. Data gathered from these tests will be analyzed, along
with a subject’s status and any relevant demographic information. Data analysis will include a multiple regression in which
the vocabulary test scores can be measured as an intervening
variable for problem-solving expertise. This would demonstrate
a relationship between vocabulary proficiency and the ability
to apply conceptual knowledge to novel problems, encouraging
future studies within expertise research analyzing this connection.
Stephanie Kazanas
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Lea Adams
B
Dispositional Mindfulness and Perceptions of Free Will
The purpose of the current study was to determine whether
mindfulness is related to perceptions of free will in one’s self
and in others. This investigation concerns both overall feelings
about free will and judgments about the freedom of specific actions. Mindfulness was found to be positively correlated with
belief in free will. In addition, differences were found in the
perceived freedom of specific actions based on the reasoning
behind the action.
Michael Ent, Addalena Virtus, and Emma Wetzel
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Angela Bartoli
B
38
Linguistic Mimicry During ComputerMediated Communication
This study aimed to extend the theory of interaction synchrony by examining the presence verbal synchronization during computer-mediated interactions. Specifically, we assessed
whether participants would modify their linguistic style while
interacting with a confederate who was responding to them in
a consistently formal or informal manner. In the experimental condition, two undergraduate students communicated with
two confederate partners during separate computerized chat
sessions. In the experimental condition, two undergraduate
students communicated with two confederate partners during
separate computerized chat sessions. For the control condition,
two undergraduate students communicated with each other
during the chat session. Participants were instructed to type
their answers to a series of eight general information questions
(e.g. What are your plans after graduation?) to their partners
who would be doing the same. Students were instructed to answer the questions in sequence and to alternate responses with
their partner so that they were working on the same question
at the same time. Confederates were randomly assigned to provide scripted responses that were either formal or informal in
nature (e.g. idk what i’m gonna do later 2nite). Compared to
the control condition, participants paired with a formal typing
confederate made less punctuation mistakes, used less abbreviations, used less texting language, and made less spelling errors.
Contrary to our expectations, participants in the formal and informal groups did not differ on any of these measures.
Chelsea Lacko, Shawn Antczak, Katie Craven, Jessica
Grier, and Brooke Kelly
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Jamonn Campbell
B
Categorization of Last Statements of
Texas Inmates on Death Row
Capital punishment is a controversial issue throughout the
United States. Although 34 other states legalized capital punishment, Texas currently leads the United States in number of
executions per year. As of April 30, 2009 435 men were put to
death; these men consisted of all different races, ages, criminal backgrounds, and races. All death row inmates were given
the opportunity to provide a last statement. These last statements give insight to the array of psychological effects of being on death row. Gaining an understanding of the correlations
between all the variables of the men on death row and their
last statements would provide a knowledge base that has yet to
be explored by the field of psychology. Research has not been
found dealing with the inmate’s demographics and final statement content. Cunningham and Vigen (2002) found things
such as, ethnic distribution of inmates on death row, educational achievement, psychological disorders, and substance abuse
among the inmates. We are going to take the information, similar to above, from data collected on Texas inmates and compare
it to the research done in 2002 with additions. Last statements
and last meals are granted to inmates to be put to death. These
two things are components of the modern day execution process. Therefore, we examine the possible correlations between
last statement components, demographics, and other relevant
variables. We feel that our information is new and innovative.
Our data set and results will open pathways of further research
of this topic.
Morgan Gerhart and Valerie Karslo
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. James Griffith
B
Subconscious Perceptions of Sparring and Fighting
in Traditional and Modern Martial Arts
Novice and advanced students, from what can be identified as
traditional and modern schools of martial arts around southern
Pennsylvania, were asked to free associate first word responses
from one of three different stimulus words (fight, spar, and
apple). The top three responses from each student was then
rated by Shippensburg University general psychology students
on a 0-5 scale based on how overtly aggressive they thought
the response words were. Findings contrary to previous research
indicated that traditional schools were rated overall as significantly more aggressive than modern schools. However, findings
supported previous research in the sense that people of lower
levels of experience consistently received higher aggression ratings than people of higher experience, particularly under words
associated from the stimulus word “spar.”
John Herigon
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Steven Haase
Social Work/Gerontology
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Intensive Family Service Assessment
This research will explore the effectiveness of intensive family
services provided for families in the York county area. Secondary
data taken from the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale
for General Services will analyze the overall results of services
for families with children reported being abused or neglected.
Kimberly McKee
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Liz Fisher
B
Strategies for Improving the Attendance, Participation,
and Attitudes of Support Group Members
B
The purpose of this study is to identify the most effective strategies for improving the attendance, participation, and attitudes
of the members of two support groups at the Carlisle YWCA.
Though a support group can have many benefits to its members, lack of motivation is a major barrier of members in receiving these benefits. Support group facilitators need to use various tactics such as incentives and rewards to help improve the
motivation of the members of their groups. It was hypothesized
that the use of incentives will positively affect the members of
the support groups. Findings of the study and implications for
group work practice are discussed.
Amy Lowther
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Liz Fisher
The Relationship Between Coping Styles and High
Risk “Binge” Drinking among College Students
B
The present study explored the relationship between binge
drinking and coping behaviors among college students. Results
revealed gender differences in coping behaviors. Most important, a student’s drinking pattern interacted with their gender
when selecting a coping strategy. When dealing with stressors,
non-binging males were significantly more likely to use religion, while binging females were significantly more likely to use
substance abuse. These results may have implications for stress
and alcohol abuse counseling on college campuses.
Emily Shrader
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Robert Hale
Burnout and Job Satisfaction in
Residential Treatment Facilities
Mental health worker burnout and job satisfaction can lead to
negativity and impersonal relationships with youth clients in
residential treatment facilities, affecting the clients overall satisfaction with the program or facility. The purpose of the present
study was to extend research to determine whether the correlation between staff burnout and job satisfaction had comparison
within the residential treatment facility, Hoffman Homes for
Youth. This will be an exploratory study to determine the effect
of the staff. The sample will include voluntary mental health
workers from Hoffman Homes for Youth, who will be surveyed
on their job satisfaction and corresponding level of burnout.
Sheena Hay
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Liz Fisher
B
39
Attitudes Towards E-Learning in a
Mental Health Agency
Continuing education is required by many professions. Many
workers have gone back to college to keep up with the knowledge base that is changing every year. Often these employees
have been in the work force for many years. Learning to keep
up in classes, their jobs, and their families left them little time
to study. E-learning creates a virtual learning experience where
people can continue their education. Many employers, especially bigger agencies are subscribing courses from e-learning sites
to attempt to make it easier for their employees to keep up with
the growing demands for knowledge. Motivations often include
a requirement for competence or licensing, an expected promotion, job enrichment, a need to maintain old skills or learn new
ones, a need to adapt to job changes, or the need to learn in
order to comply with company directives. The yearly courses
that Adams Hanover Counseling requires are mainly to provide
job enrichment, a need to maintain old skills or learn new ones
and comply with agency directives. This study focused on the
requirement to comply with the agency directives and the attitudes of the staff of Adams-Hanover Counseling by examining
their motivation of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of
the required e-learning courses through a previous survey and
two focus groups.
Jackie Martin
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Marita Flagler
Patient’s Perspective of their Own Recovery Process
The objective of this study is to look into how patient’s of mental health services perceive their own process of recovery. it also
looks into the quality of care they feel they receive from the
staff. This is a quantitative exploratory study in which a survey will be distributed. The survey will have a Likert Scale to
measure the ratings of each patient. The sample of this study
will include adults ages 18 and over, male and female, that have
stayed in the acute inpatient unit of the Holy Spirit Hospital’s
Behavioral Health Center. Because the length of stay varies,
criteria will be set at a minimum of three days. Findings and
implications can be found in the paper.
Colleen Brewer
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Michael Lyman
B
EFMP and Respite Care: A Look at Factors
that Increase Client’s Satisfaction
This study explored the factors that increased client satisfaction with respite care provided through the Exceptional Family
Member Program (EFMP) on Carlisle Army Barracks. It was
hypothesized that strong family and social support networks
would increase client satisfaction with respite care services more
than other factors. The population consisted of all families currently enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program of
Carlisle Barracks. The Sample was a convenience sample consisting of families who access respite care through the Excep40
tional Family Member Program. The Researcher surveyed the
selected sample with a structured questionnaire to determine
what factors increase the client’s satisfaction with respite care.
Findings include factors that increase and decrease client’s satisfaction with the Exceptional Family Member Program Respite Care and the overall satisfaction with Carlisle Barracks
respite care program.
Kelly Mays
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Michael Lyman
B
Stress and Burnout in Caseworkers at
Dauphin County Children and Youth
Child welfare workers are at high risk for stressful situations
day in and day out. Workers that experience extensive stress
may become a casualty of worker burnout. Burning out in the
social work profession is common because many workers do
not recognize when he or she needs to stop and slow down.
The purpose of this study is to see if Dauphin County Children and Youth workers recognize their own personal stress and
how it can lead to worker burnout. This was measured in an
anonymous survey given out to all Dauphin County Children
and Youth caseworkers using the Perceived Stress Scale. The
Perceived Stress Scale is a ten question survey that asks participants to answer within a scale from zero equaling never and
four equaling very often. It was hypothesized that workers at
Dauphin County Children and Youth do recognized when they
are stressed however they do not see it leading to them being
burnt out.
Jennifer Maxwell
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Michael Lyman
B
Supportive Services for Kinship Homes
Recent studies show there is an increase of the number of children going into kinship care rather than traditional care. Kinship foster parents do not have an extended period of time to
decide whether they want to raise a child or not, it is often a
spur of the moment decision. At the time in which they agree to
take in a child, they do not fully understand the full responsibility of raising a child of the court and how vastly different it is
than when they perhaps raised their own children. If the right
support is not given to kinship families, the kinship family may
become overly stressed, which can cause for the removal of the
child. This qualitative study was exploratory, focusing on nonrandomly selected kinship homes. The participants were males
and females, over the age of 21, who were currently serving as
kinship foster parents at Dauphin County Children and Youth.
There were 15 families who participated. The study looked at
what services Dauphin County Children and Youth can provide
for their kinship families in order to have a high rate of successful kinship care placements.
Joy Mokwa
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Michael Lyman
B
The Link Between Journey to Work
and Race/Class/Gender
The journey-to-work, or commute, has been greatly impacted
by the geographic restructuring of our urban spaces due to suburbanization. Homes and workplaces are no longer located in
the close proximity they once were due to dispersed expansion
away from the central cities and the division of land use types.
New spatial patterns, created by moving people and jobs, are affecting the time and distances of commutes. While commuting
distance and time are primarily geographic phenomena, there
are various sociologic impacts as well. This research aims to discover whether income, race, and gender have an impact on ones
commute to work or their mobility. It will identify relevant correlations between both the size of urban areas and their commute times and sociological correlations connecting different
demographic groups to certain tendencies in job/housing locations and the ways in which they travel from their residence to
place of employment.
Michael Maret
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Joel Schoening
Sociology/Anthropology
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Current U.S. Policy on Legal Immigration
Palynn Bell, Scott Daniel, and Holly Dawson
Deterrence and the Border Fence: A Failed Plan
Taryn Ross and Chelsea Zook
Do Mexican Immigrants Take Our Jobs?
Rachel Diaz, Brian Hely, and Jonathan Hughes
Do Mexican Immigrants Drain the Economy?
Rachel Jones, Jennifer Lillo, and Aubrey Linton
The Melting Pot? Nativism in the U.S.
Kathryn Markee, Brad Matisse, and Erin McCloskey
Push-Pull: Why Do Mexicans Migrate?
Jazmyn Nealy, Luke Peterson, and Angela Riccardi
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Debra Cornelius
41
42
Celebrating
Poster Session II
43
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Biology
Location: CUB MPR
Expression, Cloning, and Sequencing of the Autophagy
Related Gene Atg7 in SNB-19 Brain Tumor Cells
Autophagy is an important cellular pathway for protein and organelle recycling during times of cell starvation. It also plays a
helping role in cellular differentiation, cell death, and cell defense against some pathogens. It has been suggested that autophagy may represent an alternate death pathway and defects
in this pathway may contribute to the immortal characteristics
of cancer cells. This project is part of an ongoing investigation
to identify expressed autophagy related genes that are mutated
in SNB19 brain tumor cells. We have previously cloned and
sequenced several cDNAs of expressed autophagy related genes
and have identified one, Atg5, which contains a deletion mutation 11bp downstream of the start translation site. This study
focuses on Atg7, which play a critical role in induction of autophagy and autphagosome formation. Primers were designed
to amplify Atg7 cDNA using RT-PCR and the PCR product
was cloned into a TOPO-4 vector for sequence analysis. The
data indicates that Atg7 is expressed in serum starved SNB19
cells. Initial sequence analysis of the cDNA indicate that the
expressed Atg7 mRNA cloned from SNB19 cells is highly homologous to human Atg7 (Accession NM_006395 ) published
in GenBank.
Justin Rodrigo and Jonathan Gorski
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Lucinda Elliott
B
Ixodes Scapularis, Dermacentor Variabilis,
and Dermacentor Albipictus as Vectors for
Human and Variant Strains of Borrelia
Burgdorferi, Babesia Microti
Little is known about the prevalence of the tick borne diseases
Babesiosis, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever in
the South-Central Pennsylvania area. Ixodes scapularis is the
vector for both Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete that causes
Lyme disease and Babesia microti, an apicomplexan parasite
that causes the disease Babesiosis. Dermacentor variabilis is the
vector for Rickettsia rickettsii, a bacterium responsible for the
disease Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Both of these vectors are
commonly found within the South-Central Pennsylvania area.
1662 ticks were collected during the spring and fall of 2009; 83
Dermacentor variabilis were collected through standard ground
dragging at PA State Game Land #168, and 137 Dermacentor
albipictus and 1442 Ixodes scapularis were extracted from 11
female and 57 male freshly killed deer at Letterkenny Army
Depot, Chambersburg, PA. The ticks were preserved in 100%
ethanol, frozen at -80 °C and then crushed and DNA was extracted using the ammonium hydroxide method. DNA has
been successfully amplified using tick specific 16S rRNA primers from a random assortment of approximately 20 ticks. This
44
shows a high likelihood of DNA isolation from the remaining
ticks. PCR amplification with genus specific primers to Babesia, Rickettsia and Borrelia to determine the prevalence of these
pathogens within the tick populations is currently underway.
Kelly Motter, Jennifer Wysocki, and Kari Oberholzer
Faculty Sponsor(s): Drs. Marcie Baer-Lehman and Richard
Stewart
B
Effects of Predation Risk on the Diet of
Appalachian Brook Crayfish Cambarus Bartonii
The Appalachian brook crayfish is abundant in most higher-elevation streams in south-central Pennsylvania, including many
affected by acid precipitation. These acidified streams (pH <
5.0) typically do not support fish, though brook trout are present in downstream, less acidic, reaches of the same streams. We
hypothesized that the absence of trout might lead to changes
in crayfish diets, due to reduced competition and predation.
In particular, we expected that these highly omnivorous crayfish would include a greater proportion of invertebrate food
in their diets in the absence of trout, increasing their dietary
niche width. We tested this hypothesis in two upper elevation
streams, Laurel Run (Perry County) and Mountain Creek (Adams and Cumberland Counties), both of which have upstream
acidic reaches (pH < 4.7) and downstream more neutral reaches
(pH > 5.5) due to remediation with limestone sand. We collected crayfish, potential aquatic food sources, and terrestrial
invertebrates at upstream and downstream sites in both streams
and analyzed stable isotopes ratios of carbon and nitrogen to
estimate the approximate contribution of each component to
crayfish diet. Crayfish density was on average higher, but individual size smaller, in the upstream (acidic) reaches. Behavioral observations indicate at least occasional use of terrestrial
invertebrates by crayfish in the more acidic reaches, but not in
neutral reaches supporting fish. We expect isotope results to
indicate increased dietary niche width of crayfish in the more
acidic reaches that lacked fish.
Stephen Chervenyak and Alicia Helfrick
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Theo Light
B
Diversity and Composition of Pennsylvania Fish
Communities: Assessing Changes Over Time
Pennsylvania has over 83,000 miles of rivers and streams and
approximately 4000 lakes, reservoirs and ponds, supporting diverse assemblages of native and introduced fish species. Fish assemblages are sensitive indicators of environmental and ecological change, reflecting the effects of introductions, water quality
changes, sedimentation, and land use changes in the surrounding drainages. This study explores the diversity and composition of South-Central Pennsylvania fish communities, documents the current state of their habitats, and determines how
fish assemblages have changed over time. We have compiled the
results of extensive previous fish sampling in 1969 to 1984 by
Dr. Paul Buhan, a retired SU Biology professor, and compared
them with more recent data gathered by the Pennsylvania Fish
and Boat Commission and with the results of our own sampling. Most of our sampling will be carried out in spring and
early summer 2010, and will include electrofishing, seining, and
gillnetting to collect fish, and rapid bioassessment of habitat
using US EPA protocols. Basic water quality measures such as
pH, conductance, and dissolved oxygen will be measured, and
current land use in the vicinity of our sites will be assessed using
GIS. Using these data, we will document and compare the effects of fish introductions, water quality, and land use on current
fish diversity, abundance, and community structure in SouthCentral Pennsylvania streams.
Mark Shaeffer and Cynthia Tucker
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Theo Light
B
Survey for the Presence and Prevalence
of Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis
in Southcentral Pennsylvania
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is an external, pathogenic fungus that causes the infectious disease Chytridiomycosis, one of
the leading contributors to the world wild amphibian decline.
Almost nothing is known about the prevalence of the disease in
Pennsylvania. We are presently surveying different habitats in
southcentral Pennsylvania, including vernal pools, permanent
ponds, streams, and nearby terrestrial habitats for the presence
of the disease. Amphibians are captured by hand and by using
nets. Samples are taken from captured animals, which are then
released unharmed back into their habitat. Samples are then
sent to Pisces Molecular in Boulder, Colorado for polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) testing, which is the most sensitive and
accurate method for determining whether the pathogen is present. We are also using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) units
to determine the coordinates of all sampling locations. The information that we collect is being compiled into a collective
Geographic Information System (GIS) database and mapped
accordingly. This database will be shared with appropriate state
agencies to help them develop strategies to conserve amphibian
populations within the Commonwealth.
Grant Izzo, Hayley Crowell, Annie Birdsong and
Justin Wissler
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Timothy Maret
B
Investigation of Human Endogenous Retrovirus-K
Sequences in a Glioblastoma Culture Cell Line
Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVS) are a group of viruses that have been incorporated into the genome of human
ancestors over a period of millions of years. An important component of a HERV is a long terminal repeat (LTR). Isolated
LTRs are of interest due to their ability to serve as promoters. The sequences in close proximity may contain motifs for
transcription factors or regulatory signals that could contribute
to the cancerous state. DNA from a glioblastoma cell line was
extracted and used in a restriction digest with Mse1. The digestion mixture had specific nucleotide sequences and a fluorescent
tag that was viewed using a modified (AFLP) technique. The
method allowed the detection of poorly or partially expressed
genes. After detection was complete, cDNA was produced in
order to view expressed LTRs. The sequences were then cloned,
and processed through the BLAST program that searches for
sequence matches. The technique showed great potential for
detecting rare sequences.
Jordan Smoker
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. William Patrie
B
The Effects of Isolation and Chlorophytum
Comosum, Spider Plants, on the Aggression
and Growth of Female Betta Splendens
Isolation of Betta splendens from conspecifics tested for increased aggression. Effects of spider plants on growth and aggression compared in isolated and socially stimulated individuals. Results and conclusions discussed.
Cynthia Tucker
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Gregory Paulson
B
Your River Starts Here: An Examination
of Factors Promoting Conservation
Your River Starts Here is an active research project studying
a group of motivated eighth grade students from Shippensburg Area Middle School, and what sets them apart from their
peers. The group’s self-initiated project is designed to improve
their community and raise public awareness by affixing tiles on
the storm drains throughout Shippensburg Borough. The tiles
are inscribed with the message “No Dumping, Drain Leads to
Stream.” Our goal is to assist the students with the physical aspects of the project, such as laying down the tiles, as well as with
any other support. As education majors, we also want to know
what makes these eighth grade students different from other
students their age. By helping the students finish their project,
we were able to observe the students and, using a questionnaire,
determine why the students were so motivated to create their
project in the hopes that we can impart this knowledge into our
future students. Thus far, we have helped the students lay the
majority of the tiles. We are in the process of using the questionnaire to the group of students we are helping and a control
to compare their values and perceptions.
Travis Clemens, Rachel Cohen, and Ashley Spies
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Stewart
B
45
Estimating Numbers of a Bobcat Population at
Letterkenny Army Depot Using Infrared Cameras
And Applying The Lincoln-Peterson Index
Chemistry
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Two infrared cameras were set up at different sites in Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) in order to identify and distinguish individual bobcats based on unique spots or markings on
the fur. Thus far, we have examined 162 pictures in which at
least one bobcat is present per image. We were unable to identify unique characteristics in many of these pictures due to poor
lighting in the photographs that were taken during the night.
From the clearer pictures we were able to make notes of unique
spots and patterns on the tail, facial, and leg fur that enable us
to distinguish one cat from another. Often, however, the images only provided us with a single defining character, making
it difficult to determine bobcat identities. Examination of additional clear pictures will provide us with deeper insight about
the bobcat population by enabling us to identify individuals according to their markings and thereby estimate the number of
bobcats present. We can then apply the Lincoln-Peterson index
to estimate the population at LEAD.
Rebecca Krall and Jennifer Baney
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Stewart
Metallacrowns are macrocyclic inorganic complexes that are
analogous to crown ethers. Metallacrowns are capable of binding
a wide variety of metals within the core cavity including transition metals. This has led to a variety of metallacrowns being
synthesized; however, many of the previous metallacrown syntheses have only been done on the macroscale. In order for the
syntheses to be appropriate for an upper level inorganic chemistry laboratory, these syntheses have been scaled down into
microscale procedures. The metallacrowns that were synthesized were (MnII(OAc)2[12-MCMnIII(N)shi-4](DMF)6),
FeIII(OAc)3[9-MCFeIII(N)shi-3],
[9-MCVV(N)shi-3],
FeIII(OAc)3[12-MCFeIII(N)shi-4],
(TMA)2{CuII[12MCCuII(N)shi-4]}, and MnII(OAc)2[15-MCMnIII(N)shi5]. FT-IR spectroscopy was used to compare and identify the
successfully synthesized compounds to their known spectra.
Brian Sirovetz and Nicole Walters
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Curtis Zaleski
B
B
Diet Determination for Bobcats and Other
Carnivores at Letterkenny Army Depot
Using Feces Collection and Analysis
The focus of this experiment is to identify the diet of carnivorous
mammals through the use of fecal samples and to create identification keys for hair, bones, and other identifiable fragments
recovered from feces. An additional key will be constructed, using fecal morphology, for identifying mammal scat. Thus far,
eighteen fecal samples have been collected from Letterkenny
Army Depot over the past semester. The feces are from coyotes,
gray foxes, red foxes, bobcats, weasels or minks, opossums and
skunks. A key has been constructed using unique characteristics
of each species’ scat. Scat samples were taken into the laboratory where they were dried before various observations were
recorded such as texture, length, color, width, and segmentation
in order to create initial observations. The samples were then
washed and screened to separate the various organic material in
the mammal’s diet from the fecal matter. Non-structural fecal
material was discarded to concentrate potentially identifiable
fragments. Reference hair and bone specimens were obtained
from the SU Vertebrate Museum for comparison. Microscope
slides are being created from the organic material, mostly hair,
found in the samples. These slides will be developed into a pictorial reference for future dietary analysis studies.
James Francis and Joseph Wisgo
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Stewart
46
Using Metallacrowns for a Senior Inorganic Laboratory
Reactions of Transferrin with Cysteinylglycine
Glutathione is an important tripeptide that protects cells from
oxidation damage by eliminating reactive oxygen species. However, under certain conditions (pH > 7.0) glutathione may actually increase the concentration of reactive oxygen species. In
this scenario the GSH byproduct cysteinylglycine reacts with
iron(III) to form iron(II). The iron(II) ions then react with water to form reactive oxygen species. The source of the iron ions
is not known. One potential source is the iron transport protein
transferrin. The goal of this work is to deduce whether or not
cysteinylglycine reacts with transferrin to produce iron(II).
Collin Bender and Dale DiSalvo
Faculty Sponsor(s): Drs. Curtis Zaleski and Thomas Frielle
Computer Science
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Recognition of Consonants Within Spoken
English for Real-Time Embedded Systems
This paper discusses if the algorithm proposed in “New
Robust Subband Cepstral Feature for Isolated Word
Recognition”[nehe_new_2009] is implemented and used to
extract features from consonants then the resulting feature vector dimension will reduce memory requirements and computational time due to the limited number of possible consonants
and the nature of the proposed algorithm. These reductions
will be significant enough to allow for real-time recognition of
consonants on an embedded platform using the digital signal
processor found on the OMAP3530 with statistically significant accuracy. Hearing impaired individuals could then use this
device as a visual aid to the auditory ques used during communication. The proposed implementation includes obtaining
features from Cepstral Mean Normalized reduced order Linear Predictive Coding coefficients derived from speech frames
decomposed using Discrete Wavelet Transform and using the
Continous Density Hidden Markov Model for the speech recognition system.
Logan Kennedy
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Carol Wellington
Criminal Justice
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Peer Bullying and Dating Violence Survey
The research topic addresses the question of whether official
statistics on dating and bullying violence crimes on campus
systematically underestimate the actual amount of violations.
According to Ennis (1967), victimization surveys like the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) are more accurate
for measures of dating and bullying violence crimes than official data, like the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) which only
record the number of crimes reported to police. Ennis (1967)
reported that the National Opinion Research Center (NORC)
victimization survey revealed twice as much crime as the UCR
Data.
Jadan Notarangelo, Kate Robb, and Shaneika
Goodman
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Laura Patterson
B
Perceived Risk and Fear of Crime Among
College Students: A Spatial Analysis
The purpose of the present study is twofold. First, this study
will examine college students’ perceived risk and fear of crime
on campus. Specifically, this study will partially test the key
constructs of Ferraro’s (1995) general theory of fear (i.e. perceived risk, fear, constrained behavior, victimization). Secondly,
this study will also examine the spatial correlation between college students’ perceived risk of victimization and their fear of
crime on campus with the official reports of crime incidents on
campus. This study makes a contribution to the literature by
incorporating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to quantitatively assess the link or disjuncture between perception and
reality regarding victimization on campus. It is believed that the
results from this study will help inform campus administrators
about the perceptions of college students regarding crime in order to reduce the aura of fear of crime on campus.
Andrew Gladfelter
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Melissa Ricketts
Economics
Time: 6:00-7:30PM
Location: CUB MPR
Economic Analysis of Consumer Confidence
Index on Presidential Approval Rating
The objective of this study is to determine if Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) is a key factor in determining the approval
rating of the President of the United States. In order to identify what impact of CCI has, if any, upon Presidential Approval
Ratings, a model was created which could be used to predict
the outcome of approval ratings based on a number of factors
including CCI. After analyzing the model, CCI fails to be a
causal variable for Presidential approval after failing the Granger Causality Test. This study asserts that Consumer Confidence
Index is a poor indicator of Presidential Approval.
Andrew Jacobs
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Freddy Siahaan
B
Major Sporting Events and Crime: Philadelphia Case
Sporting events provide an opportunity for individuals to dissociate from their usual actions. This paper seeks to analyze how,
and to what extent, different outcomes of major sporting events
affect criminal acts. The association is to be analyzed with data
collected from Philadelphia Police in 2007 and the four major
sports teams in 2007. The data is used on a city-wide analysis
because there is thought to be some radiation of effects from
the locus of the stadiums throughout the region. This radiation
can be explained by physical vehicles; through the increase opportunity for such acts to be committed, emotions, or through
channels such as bars. What results is the verification of other
psychological theories that imply that sporting events have an
effect on the mental status of persons. It is shown that there is
evidence of contrasting crime rates on days with wins versus
days with losses.
Kevin Heron
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Freddy Siahaan
B
Is There Such Thing as a Racial Cross Over?
There are well documented racial disparities in the occurrence
of chronic diseases, mortality rates, functional limitations, and
general health status. Previous studies find that the largest persistent racial disparities in health are for four health and functional status dimensions: alcohol dependency but health; mental
health problems; Type II diabetes, hypertension and smoking;
and asthma. African Americans with mental health, diabetes
and hypertension have significantly lower health status. Many
researchers point to the role of socioeconomic status in explain
health outcomes. Thus, economic residential segregation im-
47
pacts life expectancy and there is evidence that these effects persists across generations. In this paper I found that racial cross
over is more prevalent at a later age.
Stephanie Heikel
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Freddy Siahaan
B
Are We Healthier than the Rest of the World?
U.S. Spends the Most on Health Care
This paper is examining the heath outcome of numerous countries based on the amount of government spending on health
care. Previous studies confirm steady trends in industrialized
countries for improved health expenditure. In 1960 to 1995
the average infant mortality rate in countries of the European
Union decreased from 3.3 to 0.6 deaths per 1,000 live births
and the average life expectancy at birth for females rose from
72.5 to 80 years; and males rose from 67.6 to 73.6 years. Over
this same time period, total health expenditure as a share of
GDP rose from 3.4 percent to 7.7 percent. When examining
the data from The United States, The United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, France, Sweden, and Switzerland, one can see
that health expenditure increases in each country, while heath
outcomes (life expectancy and death rate crude) stay relatively
constant. However, no countries health expenditure increases as
rapidly as The United States.
Kristen Hazel
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Freddy Siahaan
Exercise Science
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Influence of Post-Occlusive Reactive Hyperemia
on Muscle Performance and Oxygen Recovery
High altitude training has been a popular training technique to
enhance athletes’ performance. The purpose of this study was
to examine the influence of temporary occlusion (hypoxia) of
the limb, prior to exercise, on muscle performance, O2 utilization and recovery. 18 healthy individuals participated in the
study where each subject performed isometric handgrip exercises to exhaustion under two different conditions. Under one
condition, subjects performed handgrip exercise to exhaustion.
Under another condition, the exercising arm was occluded for
two minutes followed by 90 seconds of recovery prior to the
same handgrip exercise (RH). Exercise was stopped when subjects could not maintain 30% of their MVC for more than 3
seconds. Muscular performance was determined as the amount
of time (in seconds) subjects sustained 30% of MVC. There
was no significant difference in exercise time between the two
conditions. However, when stratified by gender, women exhibited greater exercise time after RH condition when compared to
men (212.43 ± 92 vs. 144.64 ± 31.8 sec; p<0.05). Subsequently,
a trend of greater muscle deoxygenation was shown during RH
condition when compared to CON condition. Furthermore,
muscle reoxygenation rate (T50) after exercise revealed signifi48
cant differences between the two conditions (CON: 14.06 ± 6.2
vs. RH: 19.90 ± 6.2 sec; p < .04). The results of this study suggest that influence of reactive hyperemia may be gender specific,
a condition which may possibly lead to a differential capillary
recruitment, O2 utilization and recovery during and after exercise.
Lauren Beckley, Ashley Ruth, and Brittany Myers
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Joohee Sanders
Geography/Earth
Science
Time: 6:00-7:30PM
Location: CUB MPR
The Decentralization of the ScrantonWilkes Barre Metropolitan Area
The metropolitan area of the Scranton-Wilkes Barre has a rich
history in anthracite coal mining; it was once the anthracite capital of the world. The coal industry attracted many immigrants
to the area which built a diverse society built tightly around the
center city of Scranton. As coal sales started to decline, Scranton was left with physical and social scars: open mines, tunnels
under the city and a diverse group of poor coal mining families
with no source of income. Assisted be government agencies,
Scranton citizens started to spread out from the city core to
the newly created suburbs. Paving over farmland and forests to
create private backyards and swirling roadways, the suburbs offered new hope to the depressed metropolitan area. The roles of
government assistance in the creation of suburbs, the loss of the
coal industry and the diversity of the neighborhoods in the decentralization of the Scranton Wilkes Barre will be examined.
Sarah Bradley
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Claire Jantz
B
The Big Easy: Manipulating Mother
Natures Comes with a Price
Due to New Orleans’ location below-sea-level, frequent Mississippi River floods and violent hurricanes have the potential
to devastate the city, as demonstrated in 2005 by Hurricane
Katrina. In order to avoid destruction and to encourage economic growth, the city has spent the better part of the century
constructing levees, altering the course of the Mississippi River,
and draining wetlands in order to urbanize and suburbanize
without the threat of flooding. It is due to human’s manipulation of natural processes, however, that the effects of Hurricane Katrina were so devastating to the city of New Orleans
and surrounding parishes. My objective is to illustrate the fact
that nature cannot be excluded from the city of New Orleans.
Nature’s exclusion from the city has already led to devastating
consequences. Nevertheless, post-Katrina, much of the city’s
above-sea-level land remains vacant and undeveloped while urban sprawl continues in the below-sea-level areas that are prone
to flooding. The purpose of my research is to examine how the
manipulation of the Mississippi River’s natural processes and
the construction of man-made levees and drainage systems to
protect the city and surrounding suburbs actually contribute to
coastal wetland loss. Coastal wetlands and barrier islands, naturally maintained by spring flooding and natural sedimentation
processes, are the first line of defense against hurricanes. I will
also compare prevailing attitudes in regards to wetland conservation and urban sprawl pre-Katrina versus post-Katrina.
Holly Plank
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Claire Jantz
B
A Geologic and Hydrologic Characterization
of Tayamentasachta Spring, Tayamentasachta
Environmental Center, Greencastle, Pa.
Tayamentasachta Spring flows from an 1820-era farm and former
state trout nursery along a low limestone outcrop of the Rockdale
Run Formation. Despite the spring’s historical and educational
significance, there has never been a comprehensive study of its
geology and hydrology. The spring’s discharge, temperature,
pH, and conductivity were measured at least weekly over a fourmonth study period in fall 2009. Nine water samples were analyzed for ion concentrations to calculate hardness and the dissolved load of the spring. One sample was assessed for bacteria.
Analysis shows the spring to have an average flow of just under
two-million gallons per day (2 mgd), with dissolved calcium
and magnesium concentrations of 99 ppm and 9.7 ppm, respectively. Combining a derived carbonate hardness of 285 ppm
with flow revealed that the spring delivers over 4000 pounds
per day of dissolved rock. Elevated levels of E-coli and total
(fecal) coliform at the spring-head indicate biological waste has
directly entered this carbonate aquifer. Alexander Reed
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Thomas Feeney
B
How to Save a Creek: Development and Conservation
Along the Falling Spring Creek in Chambersburg, Pa.
My research will center on the Falling Spring Creek in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The creek has long been known among
fly fishermen for its excellent fly hatches and population of wild
trout. At one point the head waters of the creek were almost
completely surrounded by farmland, but in the past 50 years
several sprawling developments have been constructed in the
area. In 1979 Eugene Macri Jr. published an analysis of the
creek and its habitat. He viewed the continued urbanization of
the creek watershed as “fatal to Falling Springs.” Urbanization
has continued since his analysis, however, extensive efforts to
restore and protect the creek have been implemented. I propose
to investigate how effective these efforts have been in protecting the creek and preserving the qualities that made it a famous
fly-fishing creek. I will research the creek from both the geographical and the historical perspectives. I will use maps of the
area around the watershed along with other geographic data
to investigate how development has occurred around the creek
and what its effects have been. I will also be looking into the
history of the creek and the restoration efforts through sources
like local government records, local newspaper articles, and interviews with fly fishermen who have fished the creek over the
last 50 years.
Christopher Eby
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Claire Jantz
History/Philosophy
Time: 6:00-7:30PM
Location: CUB MPR
The National Guard
Our focus will be on different aspects of the National Guard.
The training the guards go through, especially crowd control
techniques will be discussed. The weapons the guard’s use, more
specifically the weapons they brought to Kent State which aided
in the devastation will also be discussed. While this time period
was full of student activism and protests, we will also mention
other incidents across the nation, other than Kent State, that included National Guard intervention and the resulting outcome.
We will also glance at other attempts to handle protests, such as
using riot police, local police, State Police, etc, and the resulting outcomes of these. The analysis will provide us information on how Kent State may have been handled differently for
a more peaceful outcome. In order to further show the guard’s
side of the story, or at least their perceived mindset, we will
use interviews and testimonies from the guardsmen which have
been published in several books. Official statements from guard
and political officials will also be used. Analysis of the guards
from both for and against authors will in addition be consulted,
based on the various books and articles that have been published. Our goal of this project is not to be for or against the
National Guard, but to inform the public of the actions of the
National Guard in this isolated incident and also elsewhere, and
the factors that could account for these actions.
Ben Ritter, Amanda Masullo, Andrew Bartal, James
Delbo, and Ethan Ebright
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward
B
Campus Massacres and their Effects
on Campus Communities
Our focus will be on what happened at Kent State University
during a protest in 1970, and how this tragedy affected those
students and others not active in the protests and who did not
witness the killings first-hand. Likewise, while the accounts of
those directly involved in the massacre at Virginia Tech in 2007
are well known, few know how this tragic event affected the average member of the campus community who remained safe or
did not witness any of the killings. For these reasons, this project will examine how two tragedies on college campuses, which
resulted in the loss of student lives and occurred during differ49
ent eras in American history, affected the average person connected to the campus. By using the “Kent State Shootings Oral
History Collection” available through the Kent State University
library’s website, numerous accounts from students, professors,
and members of the community can be analyzed to see how
this tragedy affected those either directly or indirectly involved.
Additionally, through conducting an interview with a person
who was a student at Kent State at the time of the shootings,
the specific answers needed for this project will be available.
Articles including “Embracing Their Memories: Accounts of
Loss and May 4, 1970,” “The Kent State Affair: Social Control
of a Putative Value-Oriented Movement” and “The Massacre
at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: Some
Thoughts and Considerations,” exist as other potential sources,
as these articles provide information on the massacres themselves and the aftereffects of the massacres.
Chad Crumrine, Noah Beetem, Jeff Patterson, and
Josh Xenidis
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward
B
Not for Sale: The Abuse of Eminent Domain
This poster will examine several key eminent domain cases,
such as Kelo vs. City of New London, and Penn Central Transportation Co. vs. City of New York, to show the patterns and
expansion of eminent domain law over time. In addition, the
poster will incorporate a case study of eminent domain abuse of
the Saha Farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, a historic property
condemned for a golf course in 1999. The case will illustrate
how everyday people define what it means to have their own
personal property, and how they are impacted when it is taken
away. This in turn will lead to a discussion of the future of housing in America, and whether our suburban lifestyle is a sustainable one.
Katie Kitner
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward
B
The Effects of Sugar through the Columbian Exchange
Through the Columbian exchange, sugar began to travel to all
parts of the world which drastically altered diet, agriculture, and
culture. Sugar cane was first cultivated in Southeast Asia, but
according to Sanskrit text, it was discovered in Northern India
about 500 BC. Although Sugar derived in Southeast Asia, it
was around the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries sugar began
to spread to places all around the world. The Europeans at this
time were exploring the African coast, West and East Indies,
and other islands. Upon these explorations, Europeans such
as the French, Dutch, and Spanish discovered the production
of sugar and resolved to transport sugar canes to their foreign
colonies (Helmut, Alhfeld, 63). At this time, Portugal began
to plant sugar in Brazil which is where most sugar cane is pro-
50
duced today. Also in the 16th century sugar was transported to
the south of what is now the United States where many sugar
plantations were grown (Whipps, 2). With sugar plantations
on the rise, there was a need for labor which led to the slave
trade. Slaves were brought from Africa to work on the sugar
plantations in the Americas and also other foreign colonies of
the European nations. The sugar movement allowed people of
all classes to afford sugar. It is from this movement that sugar
began to transform from a luxury item to an everyday item.
Whitney Walter, Clayton Dick, Kristin Kuhn, and Kiran
Singh
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Gretchen Pierce
B
The Columbian Exchange ­— Horses
1) The horse originated in Spain but the modern horse was
from North American. It then traveled to Asia, Africa, Europe,
and then back to the America’s.(The Colombian Exchange)
Horses were moved about different countries in transits, which
were slings constructed to keep them safe. (The Return to the
New World) 2) Before the beginning of the conquest, it was
primarily used for agriculture. It was also used as something
similar to a pack mule. They would use horses to carry and drag
things in order to be time efficient and self labor.
Caitlin Guindon and Chelsee Greeley
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Gretchen Pierce
Human
Communication Studies
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: CUB MPR
Mass Media’s Influence on Construction
of Murder Suspects
This research will set out to determine if the mass media has
a negative impact on the outcomes of high profile cases by answering the following research questions: (RQ1) What communication tactics do the media use in order to portray headlines in a specific manner? (RQ2) Do the media have too large
of an effect on public opinion during very public and very high
profile criminal cases? (RQ3) Is mass media a credible and reliable source of information pertaining to such high profile criminal cases? Further, this research will answer these questions by
exploring Ernest Bormann’s theory of symbolic convergence,
showing how mass media creates a reality through the use of
symbols, and by analyzing rhetorical artifacts using a fantasy
themed analysis.
Elizabeth Lench
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
B
Women in the Eyes of a Male Society, a
Narrative and Feminist Criticism
Since early times, women have had a “role” in society. They have
been the ones who raise the children, clean the house and do
all the household chores and cook the meals. Television has depicted the image of the “house wife” and what women should
be like. This research will be looking at TV shows, particularly
“Desperate Housewives” and “The Real Housewives” series and
the depiction of women, while the men are looked at as the
“breadwinners”. Also, the double standard that is connected
with it as depicting women to be “breadwinners” as a negative.
Julianne Dougherty
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
B
Gender and Race in the Media
My senior research project is a qualitative research study on how
the media influences and reinforces stereotypes through advertisements, news broadcasts and popular entertainment such as
movies, music and television. Stereotypes are inevitable in our
society. The mass media plays a vital role in reinforcing negative
stereotypes. The influence of these sources of mass media will
be examined through interviews with college students between
the ages of eighteen to twenty two. This study will measure how
students perceive other races and gender through the impact of
the media. This study is important because as college students
we are easily influenced by the media. Some students have more
experience in diversity than others however once engaged in a
career many students will work with different types of people
that they have not encountered before. It is important that as
college students we use our education to further our knowledge of other cultures however the negative portrayal of other
cultures shown through the media can hinder positive and effective communication. This study will help grasp an idea of
the attitudes of Shippensburg University students and how they
perceive and communicate with those of different races and opposite genders.
Madalyn Bonds
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
B
A Feminist Analysis of African Women
in Politics and Government
This topic is one that contains two subject areas that are very
relevant to the social, political, and communicative issues that
face the global community today. Women in politics has become
a more prevalent occurrence all over the world, but has proved
to be more prominent in African countries. The percentage of
women in politics in African countries is higher than that of
the global community, which raises many questions. Also, the
feminist movement is one that has seen much controversy, but
one that has also created opportunity for many individuals and
groups to make a change towards equality. It will be useful to
understand the rhetoric and discourse surrounding the feminist movement, more particularly in African countries, and how
it has played a significant role in the integration of women in
politics all over the world.
Lindsey Gingrich
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
B
Gender Bias in Hollywood
In the Western tradition we witness two gender spheres within
our society being constructed as a masculine sphere and a feminine sphere. They refer to a set of characteristics that can be
embodied by anyone, yet are seen as exclusive to one gender.
Unfortunately cultural assumptions have put pressure on individuals to conform to specific gender roles. These roles are portrayed heavily in our society as well as in films such as Knocked
Up, American gangster and several others. My study will compare male and female movie stars, while utilizing feminist and
narrative criticism when analyzing these films narratives. The
examination of films narratives, as well as movie critics’ reviews,
and tabloid coverage uncovers specific gender roles forced upon
Katherine Hiegl, Denzel Washington and Seth Rogan. Media
portrays gender bias not only in movies, but in reality as well.
My focus pinpoints gendered patterns in the characters and
plots, revealing double standards in Hollywood and stereotypical portrayals of men and women through the media and various
movie reviews. Readers will witness the unveiling of three research questions. How are females and males constructed in the
chosen narratives? How is rhetoric evaluated differently when
males and females employ the same style? And lastly, what constraints do females in Hollywood face as a result of double standard judgments? This analysis will broaden the examination of
gender bias focusing specifically on Hollywood stars.
Caitlin Ryan
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
B
Examining Defensive Discourse in Baseball: A
Comparison Analysis of Mark McGwire and Pete Rose
This study will examine the defensive discourse used by Mark
McGwire and Pete Rose following their respective scandals in
the world of baseball. By applying Ware and Linkgugel’s (1973)
four factors of apologia, it will be determined whether a significant strategy of apologia is used in baseball and if it helped
them become vindicated in the public’s eyes. Media impact will
also be considered as well, along with the possible psychology
behind the apologies.
Michael Edwards
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
B
51
The Rhetoric of the Presidents’ Views of the
American Dream from 1980 to 2009
Competing Rhetorical Visions of
Murdering Mothers in the Media
The paper looks to analyze the messages of the five Presidents
that have held the office since the year 1980. The significance of
this narrative criticism is to define the main similarities and differences between the two major parties and their messages about
what the American Dream really means to them. Also looked
at will be the actual messages that are given to the American
people about the significance of the American Dream and the
ramifications of what will happen if that dream is not realized.
In order to conduct this research five speeches will be analyzed,
one from each President. The messages will be dissected to
find the true meaning about the words, putting into play the
characters,plot, and context of the American Dream over the
last thirty years. After picking out the underlying meanings of
the speeches, and their significance to the American Dream,
and American people, the messages will be compared to see
what the similarities and differences are between the Republican and Democratic parties. By doing this research there will
be a better understanding of the political sphere, as well as a
deeper look into the effectiveness of the American idea of the
American Dream, and what that means to different sections of
the American people
William Best
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
Casey Anthony is on trial for the murder of her daughter Caylee Anthony. Caylee went missing in June of 2008 and Casey
failed to alert authorities until a month later. A literature review
is used in this rhetorical criticism study to compare Casey Anthony to other mothers that have been convicted of killing their
children. A Fantasy-Theme criticism is used to analyze news
articles and reports to answer why the public is so interested in
this case. A Feminist criticism is used to analyze gender-bias
in the media, specifically when referring to Casey Anthony as
a mother and if this infers a worse crime than what a murderer
would commit.
Jyllian Fischer
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
B
Teenage Sex Appeal? An Ideological Criticism
of “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus
The purpose of this study is to examine the presented and suggested elements in the music video for the popular song “Party
in the USA” by Miley Cyrus and to describe the ideology it represents. Music videos have often been criticized for the amount
of sexual content they contain, and Miley Cyrus has also been
criticized for her suggestive behavior, which many claim is not
appropriate for someone her age (or the age of her pre-adolescent fan base/audience). While the lyrics of “Party in the USA”
appear to be harmless, the music video uses particular themes
and images that warrant further investigation to the message
Cyrus attempts to communicate. This study seeks to uncover
the ideology (beliefs, values, and assumptions about the audience) that her song reveals to its listeners, and to discuss the implications of the ideology for the world in which it participates,
i.e. entertainment for younger people.
Adam Oldham
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
B
52
B
Violence in Film: Specific Analysis of Saw Movie Series
The purpose of this research proposal is to investigate the topic
of fantasy theme criticism looking at a violent movie series called
SAW. Symbolic convergence theory and arousal theory will also
be incorporated in the paper. First, I will briefly summarize relevant literature on the topic of violence in movies. Next, I will
propose research questions and then I will explain and articulate
the method that I will use to analyze the artifacts. Finally I will
show the results and findings of violence in movies.
Taylor Jones
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Richard Knight
B
Breadth and Depth of Self-Disclosure in
College Students’ Intimate Relationships
Self-disclosure is an imperative verbal behavior to create and
sustain an intimate relationship. There are a number of positive
and negative effects of self-disclosure, which can either hinder
or enhance communication. Many factors influence and manipulate the use of self-disclosure in an intimate relationship.
This study examines intimate relationships among college students, and the use of self-disclosure. Specifically, the research
delves into how three factors, which are gender, perceived risks,
and self-esteem, influence the breadth and depth of disclosure
with their significant other. Many college students involved in
intimate relationships will be interviewed in order to obtain
qualitative data regarding this subject matter.
Jackie Tuccio
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Knight Richard
Learning Center
Time: 6:00-7:30PM
Location: CUB MPR
Tutors Shaping Tutors: Using Tutor Narratives
to Create Community, Enhance Professional
Development, and Improve Training for New Tutors
Sharing experiences encountered in writing sessions with one’s
fellow tutors has the potential to create growth within individual tutors and enact change within the Writing Center. Not only
is this collaborative process enjoyable, but these conversations
can also serve to help tutors bond and form a Writing Center
Community, encourage professional development of writing
tutors, and provide a unique venue for training new writing tutors to the center. By implementing a personal journal and a
discussion board forum, writing tutors at a center can make an
enduring mark upon a Writing Center while subtly shaping the
character and mission of the center.
Tutors at Shippensburg University reflected upon their writing sessions for a period of six weeks. During this time, weekly
prompts were presented to tutors in order to guide their writing
in a personal journal after each individual session. Tutors were
encouraged to use these prompts to reflect upon their practices,
consider their strengths and weaknesses, and assess their abilities to meet the tutees’ needs. At the end of each week, tutors
reviewed their notes and posted their response to the current
theme. These posts served as an interactive space for tutors to
encourage one another and provided opportunities for sharing
tips, strategies, and resources. At the conclusion of the six week
period, tutors wrote a narrative about their experiences that will
be included in the construction of a new tutor training manual
for all new writing tutors.
Nicole Bollinger
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Karen Johnson and Mr. Tom Gibbon
Time: 6:00-7:30PM
Physics
Location: CUB MPR
A Computational Model for Determining Power
Output of a Home Wind Turbine System
This project is meant to analyze the actual wind velocity profile
and compare it to the current model which only analyzes the
average wind speed. Data is being collected using a wind speed
field data logging device. The ultimate purpose of this is to try
to provide a better computational model to more accurately predict the power output of a home wind turbine system. Renewable energy is crucial to the current plan of reducing current
levels of pollution in the modern world. With this model a web
based application will be created and hosted on the physics department website. The data from the wind speed logging device
is meeting expectations and supporting the creation of a better
computational model. This data will be compared the power
generation of a home wind turbine system to check the veracity
of the computational model.
Paul Rutledge, David Ness, and Justin Petucci
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Alan Cresswell
Psychology
Time: 6:00-7:30PM
Location: CUB MPR
College Students’ Health Anxiety, Rumination,
and Catastrophic Misinterpretation of Symptoms
The relationship among health anxiety, rumination about
health, and catastrophic misinterpretation of symptoms was investigated in a college student sample (N = 133). Students who
exhibit general health anxieties reported that the most common health problems found on a college campus will personally
affect them, ruminated more about their health, and reported
greater conviction that they have serious health problems (catastrophic misinterpretation). Health anxiety, ruminations, and
catastrophic misinterpretation have important implications for
academic performance and successful completion of a program
of study.
Carolynne Woolley
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Scott Madey
B
The Impact of Study Objectives on Exam
Performance in Introductory Psychology Courses
Study objectives are one component of Keller’s Personalized
System of Instruction (PSI) that is relatively easy to include as
part of the typical structure of a university general education
course. The purpose of this study was to determine their effectiveness as a learning tool within General Psychology, a course
for non-majors. Sixty-two undergraduate students across two
sections were provided with detailed study objectives for the
four even-numbered units in the course; no study objectives
were provided for the four odd-numbered units. All units were
followed by a 50-question multiple-choice exam. A dependentmeasures t-test of the non-study objective exam average across
participants (M=34.07) versus the study objective exam average (M=35.94) was significant (t=-4.794; p=0.00). Data from a
follow-up questionnaire also indicated that students preferred
studying using specific learning objectives (82%), and felt more
confident when preparing for and taking exams (82%).
Joshua Strouse, Andrew Cramer, Brittany Jeffries,
and Acacia Keister
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Kathryn Potoczak
B
53
Introversion-Extraversion and
Music Volume Preference
Research on introversion-extraversion has suggested that introverted individuals prefer lower levels of stimulation than extraverted individuals (e.g., Eysenck, 1990; Geen, 1984; Zuckerman, 1998). The present study examined the relationships
between introversion-extraversion and music volume preference. The same segment of classical music was played at two
different volume levels to introverted and extraverted individuals. Results indicated that extraverted individuals preferred music played at a higher volume and introverts preferred music
played at a lower volume.
David Helfich, Regina Henry, Melissa Hostettler, and
Shawn Staub
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Toru Sato
B
Individual Differences In Ego-Depletion:
The Role of Sociotropy-Autonomy
In his cognitive theory of depression, Beck (1987) suggested
that highly sociotropic individuals have a strong need for social acceptance while highly autonomous individuals have an
excessive need for achievement. Research by Baumeister (2000)
has suggested that a phenomenon known as ego-depletion, the
weakening of performance on tasks following active self-control, occurs because it depletes a limited inner resource. The
present study examined whether individuals who are highly
sociotropic or autonomous would deplete this resource more
readily than others when faced with tasks requiring self-control. Participants completed the Sociotropy-Autonomy Scale
(Clark et al., 1995) and engaged in two active self-control tasks.
The results revealed that sociotropy levels were negatively correlated with persistence on tasks that require self-control while
autonomy was positively correlated to persistence on the same
task. In addition, the results suggested that, following a task requiring self-control, highly sociotropic individuals expend less
effort, while highly autonomous individuals expend more effort
on subsequent tasks requiring self-control. Possible interpretations of the findings are explored in relation to Beck’s (1987)
observations of highly sociotropic and autonomous individuals.
Brittany Harman
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Toru Sato
B
Content Analysis of Patient-Generated
Inpatient Addictions Treatment Goals
This study provides a content analysis of treatment goals written by patients entering an inpatient substance addiction treatment program. After a review of the goals, 13 goal categories
were developed. Subsequently, gender differences were examined. Analysis revealed significant gender differences in the
addictions-related goal category, with women writing fewer
54
additions-related goals than men. The only other statistically
significant gender difference was for the spirituality goal category, with women writing more spirituality-related goals.
Angela Darosh and Emily Molzahn
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Kim Weikel
B
Association between Narcissistic Entitlement and
Psychological Distress in a Clinical Sample
This study suggests a possible gender difference in the association between narcissism and psychological distress. Results, in
a clinical (addictions) sample, suggested that narcissism among
men is associated with greater psychological distress and that
the association may be linked to the entitlement component
of narcissism. Among women, narcissistic entitlement was not
associated with psychological distress.
Catherine Lucas
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Kim Weikel
Social Work/Gerontology
Time: 6:00-7:30PM
Location: CUB MPR
How Effective is Yellow Breeches Educational
Program on Drugs and Alcohol
This study investigates the use of drug and alcohol use among
adolescents who attend Yellow Breeches Educational Center.
The purpose of the study is to examine the students’ use of
drugs and alcohol use prior to attending Yellow Breeches and
their use at this present time. The students will be provided
with a drug and alcohol survey. Questions include previous
and current drug and alcohol use. Yellow Breeches is a private
academic school licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Their mission is to provide a quality, comprehensive, lifealtering special education program for secondary school aged
students, identified with emotional support needs, who are at
risk to fail in the traditional academic setting. Many of the students at Yellow Breeches come from low-income families and
poor support systems at home. Therefore, these children are
at a higher risk for juvenile delinquency and substance abuse
violations. The use of drugs and alcohol is very high and is a
major concern for many of the boys at Yellow Breeches. However, Yellow Breeches provides curriculum that involves education on drugs and alcohol. In addition, resources are provided
that include information about rehab and support counseling.
Their elective classes provide open ended discussions for the
students to feel comfortable to talk about sensitive taboo areas
such as drugs and alcohol. These results of these studies will
be revealed, and the correlation between effective alternative
schooling and the use of drugs and alcohol use among adolescents will be discussed.
Chelsea Hackman
Faculty Sponsor(s): Drs. Liz Fisher, Marita Flagler, and
Michael Lyman
Utilization of Community Resources
After Family Based Therapy
This research presents findings from a study comparing families’ connections to community resources upon intake compared
to discharge from family based therapy at Catholic Charities
of Chambersburg. Catholic Charities Family Based Mental
Health Services (FBMHS) sees the need to connect families
with community resources in order to sustain the work that was
accomplished through FBT. It was hypothesized that families
who went through therapy were utilizing more community resources upon discharge than at intake. It was also hypothesized
that the number of community resources a family uses has an
impact on the quality of life of the family. Findings and implications for future work with communities and families are
discussed
Janelle Riedy
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Marita Flagler
B
Factors Impacting Permanency in
Treatment Foster Care
This research study utilizes secondary data to aid in identifying
the factors consistent with attaining permanency at a treatment
foster care agency. Study subjects were randomly selected from
the 40 active foster children files at Sanmar Children’s Home:
Treatment Foster program. Program participants ranged in
age from 2 months to 18 or 21. Permanency can be considered
any arrangement designed to be permanent or last indefinitely.
Commonly, permanency arrangements fit the following categories: reunification with a biological parent, kinship care with a
relative, another planned permanent living arrangement with
independent living services, or adoption. Data extraction focused on identify the common themes i.e. client demographics,
family history, and medical diagnoses shared among client files.
The prevailing literature indicates a greater percentage of foster
cases result in the reunification of children with their biological
parents. During the year end 2009, at Sanmar Treatment Foster
Care, there were a total of 12 family reunifications, 4 adoptions, 9 into regular foster care, and 5 into a higher level of
care. The hypothesis of this study mirrors those reflected in past
research and predicts reunification with biological parents to be
the prominent permanency outcome.
Margaret Paul
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Marita Flagler
B
Assessment of Truancy Efforts Being Implemented in
Children and Youth Agencies around Pennsylvania
Truancy is when a student age 8 through 17 misses three or more
days of school without a legitimate excuse. This study examined
what different Children and Youth agencies around Pennsylvania have implemented in efforts to stop truancy. Cumberland County Children and Youth has a program set in place
for truancy. The first thing that takes place in their program is
a Truancy Elimination Plan or TEP meeting. At these meetings school personnel, the parents, the student and a children
and youth caseworker come up with a plan to stop the student’s
truant behavior. If after the meeting a student is still having
unlawful days of absence a children and youth referral is made.
This exploratory study had three phases of sampling to find
out what different counties in Pennsylvania were doing about
truancy. The first phase of sampling involved interviews with
staff members in counties located near Cumberland County,
the second phase looked at counties with similar demographics
and the final phase looked at as many other counties as possible.
The Children and Youth agencies were contacted by phone
and asked questions from a short survey. Some of the areas the
survey looked at were; do the agencies except truancy referrals,
do the counties have a truancy department, how many truancy
workers the agency has, and does the agency have a truancy
program.
Amanda Abbey
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Michael Lyman
B
Benefits of Family Group Conferencing
Family group conferences are meetings of various family members, whether they are biological or not, come together to establish a plan of action in order to help the youth in their life. This
could be anything from a placement for the child or children
to live or the steps that the family members are going to take
in order to help the parents to take care of the children. This
research has explored the benefits of the families’ group conference and whether or not the family believes that the workers
who have put together the conference were helpful in pursuing
their goals and creating a plan.
Liz Mixell
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Michael Lyman
B
Exploring The Behaviors of Peer Mentoring
This study examined how the experience of peer mentoring
influenced the altruistic behavior and the development of self
control in eighth grade boys at the Milton Hershey School. The
design was a quantitative, explanatory study that included a total sample of 36 eighth grade boys who resided in the Spring
Board Academy cottage. Each male student was given the opportunity to be a part of weekly kitchen maintenance. Certain
male students were chosen to be head of the kitchen by being
the mentor so other students can benefit from a peer being a
leader. The students were chosen systematically by staff members who believed the students could take on mentor roles. Staff
members also chose certain male students to be leaders because
the student displayed a quiet demeanor and would develop self
esteem by mentoring. Data was collected by distributing a pre
and post test questionnaire using a Likert scale to determine if
the mentors’ altruistic behaviors changed over the school year.
The tests were given to the students at the beginning of the
school year and the middle of the school year. There are ques55
tions pertaining to altruism and self control on the questionnaire. Leader or mentor experience gave the student a chance
in helping others. The questionnaire looked at the different behaviors students portrayed throughout the school year. It was
hypothesized that peer mentors should have altruistic behaviors
and self control of oneself. Findings and implications for peer
mentoring are discussed.
Sarah Youse
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Michael Lyman
B
A Relationship Between Poverty and Child Neglect
The study explored the factors that had an impact on the relevance of a relationship between a family’s social economic
status, and the implications of chronic neglect. It was hypothesized that there existed a relationship between families earning
an annual income of $15,000.00 or less and/or receiving a form
of public assistance and a type of chronic child neglect. The
population consisted of clients of Adams County Children and
Youth Agency’s (ACCY ) open files dated from January 2009
through December2009. The participant’s files were selected
from one of the following departments: Child Protective Services (CPS), Placement Services (PL), Protective Services (PS),
or Intake Referral (IR). The sample consisted of 15 random
sample files from each department. The legal guardian of a selected file participated in the research study by answering the
question of whether they were receiving some form of public
assistance. The researcher compared whether the household
received a form of public assistance and the type of chronic neglect that was indicated in the open file. The findings included
the types of neglect being reported to the agency, the percent of
neglectful families at the poverty level of $15,000.00 or below,
and the percent of neglectful families living above the poverty
level.
Betty Snyder
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Michael Lyman
B
Density and Social Interaction
Social scientists have long argued that neighborhood physical
structure and density have an influence on the type of human
interactions that occur there. I will be researching the influence
that urban and suburban structure and density have on social
interaction by first looking at how zoning laws have created different physical structures and residential densities. A detailed
description of the physical structure and layout of the suburbs is
56
necessary to understand how they affect interactions. Utilizing
census data, I will identify the high density urban core of Los
Angeles and compare and contrast it with the much lower density suburbs like Glendale and Oxnard. Using existing research
and newspaper articles I will draw conclusions about the sense
of community, neighborhood involvement, and social bonds. By
analyzing these different densities, I seek to discover how people in the same metropolitan area, but with different densities
are influenced by the place they live. I will try to determine the
relationship that exists between density and social interaction.
Jennifer Hoover
Faculty Sponsor(s): Dr. Joel Schoening
Teacher Education
Time: 6:00-7:30PM
Location: CUB MPR
Rating Rich Writing
Teachers must be able to determine important literacy lessons
in order to link instruction with the all important state standardized test preparation (Guthrie, 2002). Pre-service teachers’
knowledge and beliefs about effective instruction needs to be
connected to opportunities to plan purposeful lessons related to
state standards and standardized testing expectations (Ruddell,
2004). Classroom teachers must be aware of levels of readers
and writers in an effort to predict success on state standardized
tests (Guthrie, 2002). Classroom teachers and school administrators need to rely on Teacher Education methods’ courses to
prepare pre-service teachers for practical decisions relating to
instruction, and how instruction is linked to state standardized
testing (Guthrie, 2002). This undergraduate research project is
intended to offer pre-service teachers an in depth examination
of writing and instruction as it relates to state standardized tests
in third and fifth grades. The investigating researchers will organize a workshop experience to serve as a systematic model for
training SU pre-service teachers in the criteria and process for
evaluating third and fifth grade writing related to state standards, linked to state standardized assessment measures. This
research project is also designed to share effective writing instruction lessons with area teachers and third and fifth grade
students.
Sarah Mullen and Codi Zinn
Faculty Sponsor(s): Drs. Lynn Baynum, Christine Royce, and
Sharon Matthews
Index
57
A
Abbey, Amanda 55
Abernethy, Amber 17
Adams, Dr. Lea 38
Adams, Kristen 17
Addleman, Hilary 35
Adzima, Tim 10
Aherne, Kim 35
Allison, Andrew 24
Ambrose, Seth 16
Amspacker, Becky 17
Anderson, Sofia 17
Andrews, Dustin 12
Antczak, Shawn 38
Armstrong, Dr. Allen 37
Austin, Bradley 20
B
Bader, Kevin 12
Baer-Lehman, Dr. Marcie
28, 44
Baney, Jennifer 46
Bardales, Katherine 12
Baringer, Dr. Doreen 35, 36
Bartal, Andrew 49
Bartoli, Dr. Angela 38
Baynum, Dr. Lynn 56
Beckley, Lauren 48
Beetem, Noah 50
Belemou, Oumou 30
Belfiglio, Christina 21
Bell, Palynn 41
Bender, Collin 46
Bennett, JohnPaul 25
Bennett, Scott 28
Bergsten, Dr. Sherri 29
Best, William 52
Beyer, Stephanie 21
Bigler, Tyna 12
Biondi, Jacob 32
Birdsong, Annie 45
Blair, Tony 15
Blasek, Carolyn 34
Blass, Andrew 32
Bobby, Megan 17
Bollinger, Nicole 53
Bonds, Madalyn 51
Botteron, Dr. Cynthia 7, 9
Bowers, Kimberly 24
58
Bowman, Kristin 29
Boyer, Benjamin 12
Boyer, Shaina 17
Bradley, Sarah 48
Braun, Dr. William (Turi) 9,
14, 32
Brenize, Robert 12
Brewer, Colleen 40
Brown, Katie 15
Brown, Megan 17
Brown, Walter 12
Brunner, Caitlin 17
Bryant, Dr. Sarah 25
Bumbaugh, Dr. Alyssa 29,
30
Burg, Dr. Steven 15, 23, 34
Burger, Amanda 31
Burkholder, Travis 12
Bussewitz, Krista 14
Byerly, Minda 16
C
Campbell, Dr. Jamonn 9, 38
Canankamp, Jonathan 12
Carano, Thomas 34
Cawley, John 32
Cella, Dr. Laurie 12, 13
Chang, Dr. Mu-Sheng 22
Cheng, Xinxin 12
Chervenyak, Stephen 44
Chiou, Dr. Paul 33
Ciccarone, Benjamin 23
Clay, Dr. Catherine 14, 22
Clemens, Travis 45
Coblentz, Tanya 17
Coccagna, Jennifer 12
Cohen, Rachel 45
Coldsmith, Jenna 17
Coleman, Alison 30
Comegna, Anthony 15
Cook, Jillian 36
Cool, David 17
Coons, Rose 29
Cornelius, Dr. Debra 41
Cornell, Dr. Sean 33
Cramer, Andrew 53
Craven, Katie 38
Cresswell, Dr. Alan 53
Critelli, Alyssa 17
Crochunis, Dr. Thomas 9
Crowell, Hayley 45
Crumrine, Chad 50
Cruz, Amy 12
Cuccaro, Katlin 17
D
Dagnes, Dr. Alison 9, 16
Dalious, Brielle 29
Daniel, Scott 41
Darcy, Joseph 12
Darosh, Angela 54
Daub, Megan 13
Davis, Elisabeth 15
Dawson, Holly 41
Dawson, Meghan 22
Delbo, James 49
Delgrosso, Anthony 16
Delis, Dr. Pablo 20, 30
Diaz, Rachel 41
Dick, Clayton 50
Dieterich-Ward, Dr. Allen
7, 9, 22, 34, 35, 49, 50
DiNolfi, Kate 35
DiSalvo, Dale 46
Dolbin, Prof. Steven 21, 28
Dougherty, Julianne 51
Dougherty, Samantha 28
Douglass, Dr. Marcy 31
Dowdrick, Alison 12
Downs, Kyle 13
Drenovsky, Dr. Cynthia 9,
17
Dubs, Amanda 12
E
Eastep, Nicole 13
Ebright, Ethan 49
Eby, Christopher 49
Economos, Lynn 17
Edwards, Lawrence II 35
Edwards, Michael 51
Eliff, Matthew 12
Elliott, Dr. Lucinda 30, 44
Ent, Michael 38
F
Farnsworth, Andrew 35
Feeney, Dr. Thomas 9, 49
Fehnel, Melanie 13
Fischer, Jyllian 52
Fisher, Dr. Liz 16, 39, 54
Flagler, Dr. Marita 16, 40,
54, 55
Francis, James 46
Franzon, Heather 17
Frazier, Noah 23
Frey, Catherine 17
Frielle, Dr. Thomas 46
Frieri, Bethany 17
Fritz, Kristen 17
G
Gerhart, Morgan 39
Gibbon, Cynthia (Cinda) 9
Gibboney, John 12
Gibbon, Tom 53
Gilbert, Amanda 12
Gingrich, Lindsey 51
Gladfelter, Andrew 47
Godshall, Nicholas 31
Goetz, Jason 34
Golfieri, Angela 15
Goodman, Shaneika 47
Good, Rylan 37
Goodyear, Kaitlin 17
Gorski, Jonathan 44
Goss, Ben 35
Graves, Tara 17
Graybill, Donald 32
Greeley, Chelsee 50
Greenawalt, Amanda 12
Green, Kaitlyn 15
Green, Kyle 12
Green, Whitney 36
Grier, Jessica 38
Griffith, Dr. James 39
Groff, Richelle 12
Guindon, Caitlin 50
H
Haas, Danielle 32
Haase, Dr. Steven 39
Hackman, Chelsea 54
Hale, Dr. Robert 39
Harman, Brittany 54
Harriger, Miles 36
Haupt, Dale 29
Hawkins, Dr. Timothy 20,
21
Hay, Sheena 39
Hazel, Kristen 48
Heikel, Stephanie 48
Heim, Daniel 17
Helfich, David 54
Helfrick, Alicia 44
Hely, Brian 41
Henry, Regina 54
Herbert, Dr. Sharnine 28
Herb, Kerri 17
Herigon, John 39
Heron, Kevin 25, 47
Hewit, Anna 12
Hoover, Jennifer 56
Horn, Rachel 17
Horst, Heidi 17
Hostettler, Melissa 54
Hughes, Jonathan 41
Humerick, Rachel 13
Hutson, Magen 29
I
Ide, Josh 15
Izzo, Grant 45
J
Jacobs, Andrew 47
James, Ashley 32
Jantz, Dr. Claire 21, 34, 48,
49
Jeffries, Brittany 53
Johnson, Dr. Karen 53
Johnson, Garyon 37
Jones, Rachel 41
Jones, Taylor 52
Jurnack, Stephen 20
K
Kahl, Mandi 17
Kalathas, Lucas 37
Karper, Luther 23
Karslo, Valerie 39
Kaur, Nitasha 10, 30
Kazanas, Stephanie 38
Keister, Acacia 53
Kells, Rachel 29
Kelly, Brooke 38
Kelly, Dylan 12
Kelly, Erin 17
Kennedy, Logan 47
Ketner, Tom 13
Killian, Rachel 12
Kimes, Keri 12
Kitner, Katie 50
Klein, Dr. Kim 9
Knight, Dr. Richard 21, 37,
50, 51, 52
Kolb, John 33
Koons, Destinee 35
Koons, Elysia 30
Korn, Leslie 12
Koroncai, Robert 30
Krall, Rebecca 46
Kraus, Jocelyn 31
Kress, Dane 17
Kuhn, Kristin 50
Kukay, Jennifer 17
Kuratnick, Jeff 28
L
Lacko, Chelsea 38
Lang, Dr. Eveline 9
Lauer, Michelle 12
Lee, Dr. Daniel 12
Lehman, Adria 12
Lench, Elizabeth 50
Lennon, Neil 12
Lepley, Denielle 17
Lesman, Robert 15
Light, Dr. Theo 29, 44, 45
Lillo, Jennifer 41
Linton, Aubrey 41
Lippy, Kayla 17
Litsinger, Garrett 12
Lloyd, Michael 12
Longenecker, Darin 29
Losh, Brittney 17
Lowry, Dustin 20
Lowther, Amy 39
Lucas, Catherine 54
Lyman, Dr. Michael 40, 54,
55, 56
M
Madey, Dr. Scott 53
Maret, Dr. Timothy 45
Maret, Michael 41
Markee, Kathryn 41
Marshall, Katie 33
Martin, Ashley 10, 30
Martinez, Valerie 12
Martin, Jackie 40
Martin, John 12
Martin, Kristin 17
Masullo, Amanda 49
Matisse, Brad 41
Matthews, Dr. Sharon 56
Maxwell, Jennifer 40
Mays, Kelly 40
McCloskey, Erin 41
McKee, Kimberly 39
McNaughton, Ethan 12
Mercer, Elise 13
Michael, Nicole 17
Miller, Eric 23
Mitaut, Dr. Blandine 9, 23,
24, 25
Mixell, Liz 55
Moats, Jonathan 33
Moharter, Ben 35
Mokwa, Joy 40
Moll, Prof. Kirk 9
Molzahn, Emily 54
Montanari, Sarah 14
Montuori, Dr. Deborah 13,
21
Moore, Katelyn 12
Morris, Heather 12
Mosbey, Darla 12
Mosior, Benjamin 20
Mosley, Ben 28
Motter, Kelly 44
Mullen, Sarah 56
Murdock, Andrea 35
Murphy, Scott 35
Myers, Annabelle 17, 24
Myers, Brittany 48
Myers, Dr. Mary 12
N
Nayduch, Natasha 31
Nealy, Jazmyn 41
Neil, Ashley 17
Nenninger, Sarah 12
Ness, David 53
Neubeck, Rachel 17
Ngyuen, Molly 31
Nicholas, Kristie 22
Norris, Amanda 12
Notarangelo, Jadan 47
Nowakowski, Kayla 12
O
Oberholzer, Kari 44
Odhiamb, Dr. Eucabeth 17
Oldham, Adam 52
Osiol, Scott 21
Otieno, Ivy 30
Ott, Shaina 17
P
Patrie, Dr. William 10, 45
Patterson, Dr. Laura 31, 47
Patterson, Jeff 50
Patti, Raymond 12
Paul, Margaret 55
Paulson, Dr. Gregory 9, 45
Paulson, Dr. Sally 14
Pauly, Matthew 12
Peacock, Nicole 12
Pelton, Kaye 17
Peterson, Luke 41
Petrosky, Jaimie 13
Petucci, Justin 53
Pierce, Dr. Gretchen 14, 50
Pietrzak, Jennifer 17
Plank, Holly 49
Plunkett, Whitney 17
Polhemus, Jennifer 13
Pomeroy, Dr. George 8, 9,
21
Pompeii, William 21
Potoczak, Dr. Kathryn 53
Powell, James 12
Predecki, Dr. Allison 30
Predecki, Dr. Dan 12
Prettner, Charles 12
Price, Thomas 34
Pryor, Meaghan 16
Putz, Catherine 22
Q
Quickel, Casey 36
Quist, Dr. John 15
R
Radabaugh, Jared 12
Rayborn, Cyntia 16
59
Reapsome, Lacey 16
Redington, James 10, 12
Reed, Alexander 49
Reed, Erin 13
Reed, Kayla 35
Reese, Ashley 17
Reilly, Nicole 12
Remetta, Lauren 34
Renault, Dr. Marc 9, 15
Riccardi, Angela 41
Riccobene, Lisa 17
Ricketts, Dr. Melissa 47
Riedy, Janelle 55
Riegel, Stephen 12
Ritter, Ben 49
Robb, Kate 47
Robinson, Dr. Russell 32
Rodrigo, Justin 44
Rodriguez, Jose 17
Ross, Taryn 41
Roth, Cory 12
Rotz, Lindsey 13
Royce, Dr. Christine 56
Rumano, Edi 12
Ruth, Ashley 48
Rutledge, Paul 53
Ryan, Caitlin 51
Ryan, Katy 30
S
Sanders, Dr. Joohee 14, 48
Sato, Dr. Toru 54
Scheggia, Lindsey 22
Schindo, Barbara 15
Schoening, Dr. Joel 20, 41,
56
Schultz, Andrew 12
Schwartz, Kelsea 17
Sell, Justin 17
60
Senecal, Dr. Christine 14,
23
Shaeffer, Mark 45
Shaffer, Dr. Robert 15
Shank, Tessa 12
Shank, Valerie 12
Shearer, Nathan 12
Sheeder, Tara 12
Shen, Tianyuen 17
Shick, Jordan 12
Shrader, Emily 39
Shultz, Angela 34
Siahaan, Dr. Freddy 25, 31,
32, 47, 48
Simmons, Kimberly 29
Singh, Kiran 50
Sipes, David 32
Sipes, Prof. Carrie 9
Sirovetz, Brian 46
Skaff, Dr. Jonathan 14
Smoker, Jordan 45
Snyder, Alexander 15, 37
Snyder, Betty 56
Snyder, Stephanie 35
Spaseff, Kaja 33
Spence, Neely 28
Spicka, Dr. Mark 15
Spies, Ashley 45
Stanko, Rebekkah 15
Staub, Shawn 54
Stewart, Dr. Richard 29, 44,
45, 46
Stewart, Sarah 24
Stoneroad, Alyssa 13
Strait, Kyndra 17
Stretton, Karen 34
Strouse, Joshua 53
Stuart, Stacie 32
Swartz, Emily 30
Swope, Kyla 36
T
Talley, Michael 12
Taylor, Dr. Paul 37
Taylor, Jeremy 12
Taylor, Kristy 12
Thomas, Chad 31
Thomas, Dr. Nathan 28
Thomas, Joseph 30
Tillett, Brynn 15
Titemore, Stacey 17
Toppin, Kelly 15
Trahey, Doug 35
Trio, Monica 17
Tritapoe, Brittany 13, 17
Tuccio, Jackie 52
Tucker, Cynthia 45
Tucker, Kyle 17
Tyush, TJ 13
U
Umobong, Ubokmfon 12
V
Vargson, Todd 12
Varzaly, Lindsay 17
Veazey, Megan 29
Velleman, Niki 17
Virtus, Addalena 38
Volcy, Sativa 28
W
Wade, Amanda 14
Wagner, Samantha 16
Walters, Nicole 46
Walter, Whitney 17, 50
Warburton, Julie 24
Wear, Katie 17
Weaver, Tiffany 34
Weber, Megan 16
Weber, Michelle 17
Weikel, Dr. Kim 54
Wellington, Dr. Carol 9,
20, 47
Wertz, Cody 31
Wetzel, Emma 38
Whaley, Mandie 17
White, Dan 15
White, Jennifer 12
Whiteley, Anne 12
Widger, Samantha 17
Williams, Tyler 35
Wingle, Rachel 16
Wisgo, Joseph 46
Wissler, Justin 45
Woodlief, Veronica 33
Woolley, Carolynne 10, 53
Wysocki, Jennifer 44
X
Xenidis, Josh 50
Y
Yoder, Katie 13
Youngstrand, Ryan 33
Youse, Sarah 56
Z
Zabala, Juan 25
Zaleski, Dr. Curtis 7, 9, 12,
46
Zanotti, Alan 14
Zewdu, Veronica 25
Zinn, Codi 56
Zook, Chelsea 41
Zook, Lisa 31
61
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