Schreiner University
2017 Student Achievement Showcase
April 20, 2017
Time
8:00 – 5:00
Event
Venue
“Mixed Bag” – Student photography exhibit
CCAC
8:00-8:30
Posters set-up
CCAC Ballrooms
8:40-8:55
President’s Welcome
CCAC Ballrooms
Poster Presentations
CCAC Ballrooms (schedule below)
9 :00-11:00
Student Interest Group presentations
CCAC venues (schedule below)
11:15-12:30
Professional (speed) Networking & Dean’s Scholarship interviews
CCAC Ballroom 1
9:00-11:00
12:30-1:30
1:45-4:30
3:00 – 4:00
4:30-6:00
Lunch break
Panel Presentations
CCAC venues (schedule below)
Musical Performance (Performing Arts LLC)
CCAC Ballroom 1
The 18th Annual Schreiner University Popular Culture Symposium
River Room (schedule below)
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Poster Presentations
9:00 – 11:00 am
CCAC Ballrooms
Detailed abstracts on p. 11Ruth Grube
Location
Presenter(s)
Title
1
Jessica Chadd
Kerrville Helps
2
Jade Menchaca
Tejano Music and Tribal History
3
Ashley Wheeler
Conflict Climate in Beauty and the Beast
4
Lisa Lopez & Larson Davidson
Cooking For Optimal Health: A Research Study
5
Alexis Morales
The Association of Education with Competency Restoration
Progress
6
Susan Sprague
The Role of Eip63E in Drosophila Axonal Transport
7
Evan Klaff, Stephen Harty & Symantha
Lopez
Blue Moon Analysis
8
Hagen Fryrear, Blake Garcia & Madison
Lozano
Alternative Energy
9
Cassandra Fuller
The Effects of Sunlight on Decay
10
Shayla George, Chase Rothermel &
Isabel Laborde
Human Rights
11
Evan Vera & Justin Mireles
Genetically Modified Foods and You
12
Wendy Andersen
A study on hummingbird feeding preferences
13
Quintin Curry & Nathalia Rodriguez
Instilling Healthy Habits in Youth at Alkek Elementary School
2
14
Samantha Juenke
Competition and the Effects on growth of Native and Invasive
Grass populations in Central Texas
15
James Roddy
Using 9-axis Motion Sensors to Model and Classify Different
Behaviors of the Lower Jaw
16
Brittnee McKinney
Got C.Diff?
17
Wendy Andersen, Megan Whittley,
Joshua Medovich, Jacob Williams &
Natalie Moreno
Spring 2017 Hummingbird Migration Patterns
18
Michaela Lehman, Mackenzie Wade,
Kaitlyn Laymon & Angela Santos
Departmental Promotional and Recruiting Material
19
Jessie Leal & Natalie Raper
Raising the Political Discourse: Our Experience in D.C.
20
Jonathan Gathings, Andrew Zinsmeister
& Ciara McCary
Effects of Global Disease on the World
21
Alexandra Wheeler & Ryan Barnett
Sleep Deprivation Amongst College Students
22
Eduardo Munoz
Kinesin Mutations UNC 104 (01.2) and UNC P350 in
Drosophila lead to Axonal Transport defects by causing Cargo
Traffic in Axons
23
Ashley Valdez, Manuel Chaivez & Connor
Bradshaw
Physical Attributes of Corona
24
Kaitlin Beettner, Kara Miller & Miana
Zapata
Peppercorn Plant Analysis
25
Sarah Whitton, Frederick McCollum &
Sarah Woods
Central America Initiative
3
26
Cailee Morgan & Alina Hilliard
Child Labor
27
Giovanny Datiz, Mason Soward &
Samantha Conner
Rye Beers
28
Elizabeth Hall
Ubiquity of Microbes: The Mysterious Bacterium
29
Bailiegh Toenes & Christian Valdez
Smokeless Tobacco Bacteria
30
Jessica Lesley, Trevor Wren & Joe
Martinez
Corona Extra: History, Characteristics, and Aesthetics
31
Brooke Tuck, Sarah Robinson & Jordan
Lee
Mixing It Up: Conflicts of Clashing Cultures
32
Devan Bauer
Research and Evidence-based Nursing Practice
33
September Richter, Alma Munoz, Heather
Stude & Victoria Farruggia
Intensive Reading Intervention
34
Kaitlin Beettner, Kara Miller & Miana
Zapata
Pepperie Tincture versus Shisedio
35
Tony Farmer, Briana Gonzalez, Brooke
Segner, Jacquelyn Lewis & Kelley Bradley
BSN Costa Rica - Common Health Issues
36
Craig McCain & Mary Huerta
How does disturbance of aquatic ecosystems affect gene flow
among damselfly populations in central Texas?
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Interest Groups
Group
9:00 – 11:00 am
CCAC
Time
Venue
Purposeful Lives (NURS 4370 & RELI 3397)
9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
River Room
Honors Program
9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
Theater
Blaze into Creativity (ENGL 3306)
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Theater
The Center for Digital Learning
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
River Room
Purposeful Lives
Amanda Crow, Heather Young, Jenny Pinson, Rachael Shaw & Lisa Lopez
Faculty Sponsors: Kelsey Penn, Gini Norris-Lane, Judy Ferguson, Mary Pautler, Julie Lunsford
Students that have taken service-learning courses often engage the curriculum in a way that allows for a more holistic understanding
of both the course material and a community need. They also gain insights from “practical field work” that invites a deeper connection
between how the community agency’s mission addresses some of the world’s deepest needs. In this section, you will hear from
nursing students who went to Costa Rica, and from students in RELI3397 who went to McAllen to serve those seeking asylum in the
United States from Central America, all of whom have engaged the pedagogy of service-learning. They will share the context of
engagement, the issues addressed, their particular service experiences, and their suggestions on how these issues can be addressed
by the larger community.
Courses: NURS 4370 12 Topics in Nursing-Mission to Costa Rica; RELI 3397 Leading Lives that Matter; IDST 4340-Colombia
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Honors Program
Faculty Sponsor: Clark Elliston
A. Taking Flight: The Evolution of Birds
Samantha D’Spain
This presentation looks into certain aspects that have allowed birds to gain the ability to seize the sky. There are many benefits of
flight but with these benefits the ancestors of birds had to change. It is in this presentation that characteristics of flight, tradeoffs
made for flight, reduction of bones and many more are discussed. Humans have always been fascinated with the idea of flight and
while we can get in the air now I is not nearly as impressive as these animals. We will discuss how birds literally changed their
anatomy and even some of their genes in order to take off from the ground.
B. Modern Seatbelt Mishaps: Physics and Business Behind the Improvement
Mackenzie Palmer
The question of the safety a seat belt provides has been widely debated in the physics and engineering fields. However, the
constant studies and papers on the topic have never addressed the real issue of creating a new and improved version of the seat
belt. My project addresses this issue and with special attention to the business side of it. Specifically, in this project I will be
looking at the ways the current seat belts fail to order to show the improvement that could be made. I will discuss how much it
would cost to make my product as well as how I plan to get it into production. In conclusion, this project sheds new light on the
rarely acknowledged issue of the limitations of the current seat belt.
C. Agency Law: A Look Into the World of a Sports Agent
Logan Miles
The presentation explains what a sports agent is and outlines the duties and responsibilities held by an agent. It also details how to
become an agent, the requirements, and what to do once you’ve become certified and registered. This is about a 15 min
presentation with pertinent info along with some fun facts and advice from professionals.
Blaze into Creativity
Landry Arthur, Alex wheeler, Matt Smith, Jade Menchaca & Emily Treibs
Faculty Sponsor: Kathleen Hudson
English 3306, Introduction to Creative Writing, will host a coffeehouse experience, showcasing students in the class, as well as inviting
audience members to participate.
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The Center for Digital Learning
Faculty Sponsor: Cecilia Barlow & Angela Schladoer
Communication is Key
Matt Gennaro, Maggie Otero-Alvarez, Josh Newman, Nick Gardener, Miana Zapata, Kara Miller, Sydney Moreno & Juan Ortiz
This project was completed by all students currently enrolled in Anatomy & Physiology II and is designed to emphasize the need for
communication skills in the healthcare setting. The course content contains a vast array of scientific terminology and multiple body
systems. The majority of students taking this course, intend to pursue a career in the field of healthcare. A true measure of one’s
mastery of the material, is the ability to understand the scientific terminology and relate a scientific message in lay terms.
Communication is the key to patient compliance and successful treatment. Patients are more likely to follow a treatment plan for a
condition they understand. The goal of this project is to raise awareness of the need to communicate health information on multiple
educational levels to increase successful healthcare delivery.
Musical Performance
3:00 – 4:00 pm
CCAC Ballroom 1
The Creative Process of Writing Original Material in the Performing Arts LLC
Faculty Sponsor: Michael Kahl
Performing Arts Presenters:
Samantha Browning, Viviana Bustamante, Andrew Cannon, Eric Droegemeier, Rebekah Gardea, Courtland Gully, Prince
Maldonado, Julyssa Moreno, Emily Ridgaway & Liliana Russell
The Performing Arts Living and Learning Community will perform original works ranging from musical compositions to poems, short
stories and possible illustrated works. They will explain the creative process of taking a general theme and turning into an artistic
expression and product.
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Panel Presentations
1:45 – 4:15 pm
CCAC
Detailed abstracts on p. 23 Ruth
Moderator
1:45 –
2:05 pm
Fishbowl
Theater
Ballroom 3
River Room
Ballroom 2
Maureen Russo
Ryan Caesar
Krisann Musckievicz
Michael Grillo
Susan Klinedinst
Hill Country Grant
Foundations
Final Four:
Experiential
Learning
Promoting Two
Interdisciplinary
Minors
National Model
United Nations:
The Experience
Christina Darring,
Alexandra Gill, Autumn
Sanderson, Keenan
Gumbs & Michael
Holder
Austin Morgenroth
Hayli Phillips, Daly
Smith, Coby Velez &
Rhiannon BromanSalazar
Andy Overgard
Characterization of
CG6178 and
CG6678 in
Drosophila Axonal
Transport
Alliona Fay
10 min. break
2:15 –
2:35 pm
Hill Country Daily
Bread Ministries
Schneider
Hefeweizen
Tatyana Carnes
Kathryn Bushman,
Megan Whittley &
Dalton Parcus
Life in 360
Brian Lindsey
The Effect of
Biofilms on Lone
Star Ticks
Alyssa Navarrete
Using
Photogrammetry to
create a Virtual
Campus Tour for
the HTC Vive
James Lewis & James
Collier
10 min. break
Moderator
2:45 –
3:05 pm
Chris Distel
Potential Role of
Dynactin in the
Drosophila Toll
Signaling
Pathway
Brian Bernard
Community Health
in Colombia
Jessica Chadd & Andy
Overguard
Kim Arvidsson
Raspberry Pi
Picture frame
Ethan Gregory
Elizabeth Hall
8
Sam Dreeben
…Can We Talk?
COMM 3320
Intercultural
Communication, feat.
Martin Olivares, Colter
Dieringer & Jordan
George
Ruth Grubesic
Schreiner
University's Texas
Nurses Student
Association
Lacey Gonzales, Tony
Farmer, Natalie
Sorenson, Nicole
Wilkins & Abby Flores
10 min. break
Fishbowl
3:15 –
3:35 pm
Theater
Anger
Management and
Face in Athletes’
Conflicts
SU Campus
Community
Partnership with
Magdalene House
Stephen Harty
Ciara Lillie & Kathy
Bogie, Director of
Magdalene
Ballroom 3
Identifying the
role of Eip63E in
Drosophila using
protein-protein
interactions
River Room
Ballroom 2
United Nations
Internship
Audrey Oswalt
--
Lizet Ramirez
10 min. break
Moderator
Stefan Mecay
3:45–4 pm
Temporal
Characterization of
Immunological
Proteins in
Salmonella infected
Horn Flies
Amy Garces
4–4:15 pm
Streptococcus
mutans: pH Affects
on Tooth Decay
Nicole Roberts
Claudia Sullivan
Dramatic
monologue from
Euripides: Electra
Kayla Castenada
Lesa Presley
Effectiveness of
Germicides:
Comparing Regular
Household Cleaners,
Industrial Cleaners
and “Green”
Cleaners
Sarah Higgerson
Competitive Effects
of Invasive Central
Stone Rollers on
Native Texas
Aquatic Snails
Brandon Morris
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Lydia Kualapai
Pan's Labyrinth
Remington McBee,
James Clary & Brittany
Stolicki
--
4:30 – 6:00 pm
CCAC River Room
Title
Presenter(s)
Mental Illness in the Comic Books
Evan Klaff
DJMax Technika Q
Stevie Martinez
How to Get Away with Nonverbal Cues
Esperanza Flores & Aaron Ruiz
Fanediting: A Technological Successor to Fan Fiction
Brian Bernard
Living in a “Super World”
Dominic Mason
Compassion v. Self-Presentation: Conflict in Video Games
Thomas Uptergrove
An Examination of Gender Roles in Ghostbusters (1984) and
Ghostbusters (2016)
Elysia Leos & Kathryn Bushman
Defying Societal Gender Norms in Juno
Shari Martino
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Poster Abstracts
(by location)
1. Kerrville Helps
Jessica Chadd
Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Grubesic
A poster on BCFS in Kerrville, the organizations they work with, and what they offer.
2. Tejano Music and Tribal History
Jade Menchaca
Faculty Sponsor: Kathleen Hudson
A poster on Tejano music in Texas and the history of tribes in Texas, with a focus on the history behind the Indians and music that is
common in our area.
3. Conflict Climate in Beauty and the Beast
Ashley Wheeler
Faculty Sponsor: Mary Grace Antony
This study examined man vs. women conflict climates and two sub-concepts relating to conflict climate: defensive behavior and
nurturing conflict climate. Beauty and the Beast was analyzed, looking at the conflict climate between the characters Belle and the
Beast, and the evolution of their conflict climate over the course of the movie. Both Belle and the Beast exhibited defensive behaviors
in early conflicts, but over the course of the movie both characters came to a better understanding of each other and their later
conflicts showed a nurturing climate.
4. Cooking For Optimal Health: A Research Study
Lisa Lopez & Larson Davidson
Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Grubesic
This project expands the overall knowledge base of epidemiological research and measures dietary changes and health outcomes
resulting from demonstrated cooking interventions. Students leading this pilot-study set out to create an innovative way to combat
obesity and chronic illnesses such as, but not limited to: diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, high cholesterol, and age-related
metabolism changes in adults. This year’s program (August 2016 – April 2017) contained a series of monthly education classes on
healthy cooking hosted at the Arthur Nagel Community Clinic in Bandera, Texas. The goal of COH is to improve an individual’s overall
health by encouraging: healthy food choices, improving nutrition literacy by handing out recipes and the related nutrition information
from the used food groups, encouraging daily exercise, and providing hands-on cooking demonstrations. All participants are to
complete lab testing and a brief dietary assessment before and after the COH research program to determine the changes that have
occurred as a result of the implemented formal cooking instruction program.
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5. The Association of Education with Competency Restoration Progress
Alexis Morales
Faculty Sponsor: Sam Dreeben
Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST) patients are committed to forensic hospitals by the courts because they are unable to demonstrate a
factual and rational understanding of court proceedings. Hospitals are tasked with the responsibility of restoring competency or
predicting likelihood of restorability. However, little is known regarding the predictors of competency restoration. Higher education
provides individuals with greater problem solving skills and cognitive flexibility. Therefore, it was hypothesized that earning a high
school diploma (HSD) would be associated with a shorter length of stay for IST patients. It was also hypothesized that HSD would be
associated with an evaluator’s opinion of competency restoration. This study reviews discharge outcomes for IST patients (N = 195) at
Kerrville State Hospital between 9/2012 to 10/2016. The correlation between level of education and length of stay was nonsignificant
(R = -.09, p = .20). A 2x2 chi-square analysis indicated a significant association between HSD and opinion of competency restoration
2 (1) = 6.80, p < .01. The relationship between education level and length of stay may have been complicated by additional factors
such as severity of offense and psychiatric diagnosis. The demonstrated relationship between education level and clinician’s opinion of
competency may be attributable to perceived learning readiness
6. The Role of Eip63E in Drosophila Axonal Transport
Susan Sprague
Faculty Sponsor: Susan Klinedinst
A critical element of the neuronal cytoskeleton is the network of microtubules that provides structural support, allows motility and
serves as a transportation network for the organized movement of molecules within the neuron. The microtubule cytoskeleton is
critical for the normal functioning of the nervous system and dysfunction of the microtubule cytoskeleton appears to make significant
contributions to neurological diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer Disease and Huntington Disease. The
central focus of this project is to characterize the potential role that Eip63E plays in Drosophila axonal transport. Eip63E is a kinase
that has homology to a family of mammalian cyclin dependent kinases (Cdks) called PFTAIREs, whose function is currently poorly
understood. Cdks are traditionally involved in regulating cell cycle progression, however some Cdks functions include neuronal
apoptosis, neuronal migration, axon guidance, synaptic transmission, and membrane transport. We have begun to characterize the
role of Eip63E, which has been shown to genetically interact with both molecular motors, Dynein and Kinesin in Drosophila. We
hypothesize that the Eip63E PFTAIRE functions as a regulator of one of these neuronal functions of Cdks. Our data thus far indicates
that Eip63E functions in axonal transport and is required for the proper delivery of presynaptic vesicles and active zones to the
presynaptic axon terminal.
7. Blue Moon Analysis
Evan Klaff, Stephen Harty & Symantha Lopez
Faculty Sponsor: Chris Distel
We will be doing an analysis of Blue moon beer for the IDST Topics course on Beer. We will go over its process, how it's made, and
how it is distributed.
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8. Alternative Energy
Hagen Fryrear, Blake Garcia & Madison Lozano
Faculty Sponsor: Nelson Hernandez
The primary goal of our project is to bring awareness about renewable energy. We hope to enlighten listeners how they can become
knowledgeable about the benefits of using natural, renewable resources as a source of energy versus nonrenewable resources. As a
result, our poster will emphasize on the positive outcomes of relying on renewable resources. Examples of positive outcomes are the
creation of jobs and conserving our planet.
9. The Effects of Sunlight on Decay
Cassandra Fuller
Faculty Sponsor: Lee Crain
This experiment was designed to compare the decay and insect activity of a carcass depending on the amount of sunlight it was
exposed to. This research could be applied to include factors for estimating a more accurate time of death based on the types of
insects in the area and weather exposure, and how they affect the process of decay. Two female jack rabbits of approximately the
same size and time of death were observed over a six-week period in which insect and soil samples were collected. One carcass was
left where it would be directly exposed to all weather changes, especially sunlight during the day, and the other was placed in the
shade of nearby trees.
10. Human Rights
Shayla George, Chase Rothermel & Isabel Laborde
Faculty Sponsor: Nelson Hernandez
My peers and I have been taking a Global Perspectives class which has broaden our perspectives on Issues that are around the world
as well as in our own backyard. With this presentation we are hoping to raise awareness of what human rights are, how they were
brought to light, and shed light on how these rights are not received by everyone around the world. My partners and I would love this
opportunity to share our knowledge on this subject and make more people knowledgeable on this subject
11. Genetically Modified Foods and You
Evan Vera & Justin Mireles
Faculty Sponsor: Nelson Hernandez
Genetically modified food has proven to be a controversial frontier of modern science. Although the concept of combining and
crossbreeding different strains of plants has been around for years, only recently have we been able to fully grasp the reality and
gravity of genetically modifying foods for our benefit. Because this is a relatively new phenomenon, many people are undecided as to
whether or not genetically modifying foods is advisable. The long-term effects of GMO’s on both humans and the ecosystem are still
unknown. We have compiled an amount of information on GMO’s in order to educate people that they may make their own informed
decisions.
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12. A study on hummingbird feeding preferences
Wendy Andersen
Faculty Sponsor: Chris Distel
This research focuses on hummingbird feeding preference to determine if hummingbirds would drink nectar from flowering plants in
the presence of artificial nectar feeders. I set up four artificial nectar feeders and placed flowering plants beside two of them. I am
conducting observations to determine which nectar the birds will prefer to drink. My hypothesis states that the artificial feeders will
have no effect on hummingbird preference for flowering plant nectar. If my hypothesis is wrong then this could mean that artificial
feeders might have an impact on hummingbird pollination. If the hummingbirds prefer the artificial feeders they might not pollinate as
many flowering plants. This research could be important for areas that have a high volume of artificial feeders present because of its
implications for whether hummingbirds are pollinating flowers in these areas sufficiently.
13. Instilling Healthy Habits in Youth at Alkek Elementary School
Quintin Curry & Nathalia Rodriguez
Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Grubesic
The Boys and Girls Club at Alkek Elementary school is an after school program for children around 8 to 12 years old. Champions for
Healthy Kids is a program focused on teaching children healthy habits. This year, children at the Boys and Girls Club were visited on a
biweekly basis for approximately hour long intervals to engage them in activities related to gardening, overall nutritional, and physical
health. Over the course of the school year, this program covered various topics from healthy eating to physical activity. Children in the
program were given healthy snacks as incentives. Attendance was recorded every time before an activity, there was no notable
increase or decrease in the number of children who showed up for each session; however, there were significantly more girls than boys
that consistently showed up every time. The children were administered brief evaluations at the beginning and end of the year to
determine whether or not they changed their habits. The overall goal of this program is to instill healthy habits at a young age to
ensure a healthy lifestyle even after leaving the program.
14. Competition and the Effects on growth of Native and Invasive Grass populations in Central Texas
Samantha Juenke
Faculty Sponsor: Chris Distel
Are invasive species the key to maintaining biodiversity? Due to the lack of control over invasive populations, learning more about why
they are invasive and what makes them invasive gives us insight into ways to control or eradicate them. My research seeks to
determine if competition of invasive grass species plays a role in the decline of the native grass species in Central Texas. The proposed
study aims to investigate and compare biomass accumulation of the individuals during the different growth stages in terms of
competition effects. A series of 4 treatments with replicates using Side-oats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) and Big Bluestem Earl
(Andropogon gerardii) as the model of native grasses, and WWB Dahl Blue (Bothriochloa ischaemum) and Johnson grass (Sorghum
halepense) as the model of the invasive grasses will serve as the groups of comparison. Results from several studies suggest that
during early growth stages both native and invasive grasses are subject to different kinds of competition (Alpert et al., 2000; Vila and
Weiner, 2004). Although the competition between invasive and native species has indications of influence on the environment
surrounding it, the role of competition varies among different ecosystems in ways that are still unknown or have yet to be determined.
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15. Using 9-axis Motion Sensors to Model and Classify Different Behaviors of the Lower Jaw
James Roddy
Faculty Sponsor: Brian Bernard
Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding, can cause permanent damage to teeth, and many people are unaware that that
they are afflicted or reject the diagnosis when identified by a dentist. Verification methods range from in-mouth bite guards to
Electromyography (EMG) procedures. This project will lay the groundwork for an in-home, outside-the-mouth method to track jaw
motion, by using two sensors to record and plot movement of the lower jaw. Each 9-axis sensor will be combined using sensor fusion
software to transmit via Bluetooth the 3-D coordinate locations as well as roll, pitch, and yaw angles to completely model the absolute
position of each sensor. Using two sensors, one on the jaw, and a reference sensor on the head, relative position of the jaw can be
determined and studied separate from overall head motion. This project will present results analyzing two important questions when
using external sensors to analyze jaw motion. First, different sensor locations, for example on the front or bottom of the chin or along
the side of the jaw near the hinge, will be compared to determine which is able to most clearly identify different types of motion.
Second, using a single sensor location, different types of jaw motion will be performed, and the data will be analyzed to identify
distinguishing dynamic motion characteristics between test cases including chewing and talking.
16. Got C.Diff?
Brittnee McKinney
Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Grubesic
In the United State, one of every 10-20 hospitalized patients develop a hospital-associated infection (HAI), and 13 of every 1,000
inpatients are infected with Clostridium difficile (C.difficile). C.diff is related to antibiotic exposure and manifests as a gastrointestinal
infection ranging from diarrhea/loose watery stools to severe and life threatening intestinal perforation, dehydrations,
pseudomembranous colitis, and other life threatening events. Clostridium difficile is extremely contagious and can live on surfaces, if
not properly cleaned, for up to six months. If certain protocols such as proper hand hygiene, or proper isolation precautions are not
followed then the spread of disease from a healthcare worker or family member to a patient is significantly higher. Initially I was in
search of a disconnect in hospital policies regarding protocols on C.diff with the intent to recommend new policies to improve infection
prevention practices and overall lower the spread of C.diff within hospitals. During my research I found many resources available to
hospitals on how to properly write a solid and efficient policy and discovered that the disconnect was not with the policy but with the
implementation of the policy by the staff. After developing a blind survey and testing nurses at Peterson Regional Medical Center, I
discovered that some of the healthcare workers, although educated on C.diff, were not properly following protocols because they
simply were not aware or educated on the policies in place. The lack of education is not the primary reason for the spread of disease
among hospitals but it plays a major factor in reducing the total number. With my research I was able to make proper
recommendations to Peterson Medical Regional Center to improve infection prevention practices to lower the spread of C. difficile.
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17. Spring 2017 Hummingbird Migration Patterns
Wendy Andersen, Megan Whittley, Joshua Medovich, Jacob Williams & Natalie Moreno
Faculty Sponsor: Chris Distel
Hummingbird migration patterns are becoming more available thanks to programs like eBird. Cornell lab of Ornithology, the Audubon
Society, and avid bird watchers can share their observations instantly using this data site. Our goal through this study was to observe
hummingbird migration patterns, specifically in Kerr county, and to compare them with previous data sets and observations through
eBird. We set up four feeders filled with sugar water in a field where hummingbirds have previously been observed. Our observations
were compared with predicted patterns from eBird.
18. Departmental Promotional and Recruiting Material
Michaela Lehman, Mackenzie Wade, Kaitlyn Laymon & Angela Santos
Faculty Sponsors: Katie Campbell & Clay McClure
We were tasked to create a departmental promotional brochure to be utilized for various recruiting events such as Schreiner Saturday.
For the project we wanted to showcase the different means of technology that the department currently has in house and gain a better
understanding of the creative possibilities and creative process of constructing an informational brochure regarding our Communication
Design major. As a group we researched various modes of production and finishing in regards to how pages are constructed and folded
together for presentation. A key element in having us as students create this promotional brochure is to get a student’s perspective on
what going through the Communication Design program means to us and what prospective student have to gain from the program.
19. Raising the Political Discourse: Our Experience in D.C.
Jessie Leal & Natalie Raper
Faculty Sponsor: David Reast
We recently attended The Washington Center’s Presidential Inauguration Seminar in Washington D.C. This trip was a profound
experience for our future careers and was memorable in that we were able to be a part of history at President Trump’s inauguration.
At the conference we attended many panel discussions, visited many non-profit organizations, and participated in many political
discussions. Our conversations centered around issues that would be crucial in the upcoming administration. Natalie and I both picked
key public issues to highlight. Natalie decided to discuss how she witnessed the peaceful transfer of power first hand and how the
event clashed against the protests around D.C. She says the following about her topic, “Seeing people flock to D.C. to support their
cause was inspirational. Their passion was evident by their commitment to be there and stand in the cold for hours on end. The
Inauguration was filled with people both protesting or supporting the upcoming administration. The obviously present police force and
the soldiers stationed on every corner drove home the possibility for violence, further emphasizing the atmospheric differences
between Kerrville and D.C.” I wanted to focus on what I believe is the most important issue concerning public policy that President
Trump will face, the federal budget. Researchers have estimated that if no changes are made to spending habits the debt will clobber
the GDP. This will ruin the economy of future generations. The federal budget at this point in time can only be controlled if Congress
cuts spending and increases revenue. Both parties can agree to cut some programs and to raise some taxes. In this upcoming
administration the federal budget is the most pressing issue because of how it will dictate the future of America and both parties will
have to engage in bipartisanship.
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20. Effects of Global Disease on the World
Jonathan Gathings, Andrew Zinsmeister & Ciara McCary
Faculty Sponsor: Nelson Hernandez
Our poster will cover the topics on global disease such as transmission and prevalence in different regions of the world, i.e. Ebola virus
and/or Malaria in Africa. Methods of prevention and ways to treat infected individuals will also be discussed as well as how to prevent
these viruses from spreading to areas where they could become a pandemic. The origins of these diseases and how many people are
affected by them will be included and pictures will be used to provide a visual representation of what these diseases and their effects
on individuals look like as well as the locations they are normally prevalent in. It is important these issues are addressed so that they
are better understood and able to be handled by using proper sanitation methods and controlling the disease so it doesn't infect a
large population of individuals where it could become a potential threat to the world as a whole.
21. Sleep Deprivation Amongst College Students
Alexandra Wheeler & Ryan Barnett
Faculty Sponsor: Carrie West
An abundance of types of people suffer from sleep deprivation; but there is no main problem that is not solely confined to a certain
profession, age or lifestyle. Examples of work and school are major deterrents from sleep. Factors in daily life, especially stress, can
also lead to deprivation from sleep. Varying issues that seem of greater importance than sleep keep us up later and later at night.
Perhaps the most common types of people who experience sleep deprivation are students, especially those in college. There are
certain issues to be addressed such as the prevalence and awareness, effects, and aides. The approach of this paper is to examine
existing research on sleep deprivation, effects, and aids through utilization of the transtheoretical model in hopes of changing the
prioritization and the attitudes toward sleep. The significance of this study is in reaching out to college students because they
represent a demographic experiencing the marked difficulties of sleep deprivation.
22. Kinesin Mutations UNC 104 (01.2) and UNC P350 in Drosophila lead to Axonal Transport defects by causing
Cargo Traffic in Axons
Eduardo Munoz
Faculty Sponsor: Susan Klinedinst
UNC 104 (01.2) and UNC P350 are kinesin mutations that can be found in Drosophila. Each mutation is paired with the indicator
chromosome “CyO Tb RFP”. All three of these chromosomes are homozygous lethal, making the genes of the batch of mutated flies
self-sustaining. This experiment aimed to understand the effects of the mutations individually (by pairing them with wild-type
chromosomes) and together. The Axons from the resulting 3rd instar larva are observed through a fluorescent microscope after they
are dissected. The axons are stained with a mouse antibody and a goat anti-mouse antibody that contain a fluorescent marker. Any
“clumps” seen in the axons are result of delayed motor protein transport. These clumps are quantified in each dissected larva and
analyzed. It was determined that a double kinesin mutation leads to having more clumps in the axons, and the double mutation
means more axonal transport defects. The UNC 104 (01.2) and UNC P350 mutations individually showed no significant difference from
one another.
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23. Physical Attributes of Corona
Ashley Valdez, Manuel Chaivez & Connor Bradshaw
Faculty Sponsor: Chris Distel
Corona was first imported into the United States in 1981 and has become one of the fastest growing imported beers in the country’s
history. Originally brewed and bottled in Mexico since 1925 it has now become the United States’ #1 imported beer and #5 best selling
beer overall. The only ingredients that go into making Corona are filtered water, yeast, malted barley, corn, and hops. The beer has a
low to medium low malty aroma with some fruity-honey notes to it. The flavor of the Corona is very similar to the aroma as it is also
very malty with some slight hoppiness to it, but includes the fruity-honey notes that were previously mentioned. Corona has a crisp
and dry flavor to it which is great for hot days. It also has a medium to light bodied mouthfeel with high carbonation. The beer is a
pale straw to gold color with a white, frothy head that typically doesn’t last very long. Corona has an ABV of 4.6, IBU of 19, pH of 4.5,
and FG of 1.01.
24. Peppercorn Plant Analysis
Kaitlin Beettner, Kara Miller & Miana Zapata
Faculty Sponsor: Danette Vines
Our research revolves around a discovering the possible essential oils found in a local peppercorn tincture then comparing local
peppercorn tincture to an international concoction from Japan. Will have the results and process displayed on a poster board with both
tinctures and some oils for smelling and comparing.
25. Central America Initiative
Sarah Whitton, Frederick McCollum & Sarah Woods
Faculty Sponsor: Jay McCormack
We assisted Professor McCormack with the implementing a student designed and student led economic development, training,
advanced class research and study abroad initiative in Central America. We also assisted in supporting the development and
coordination of the most effective implementation of the initiative across the business department’s programs and classes. We have
helped to plan a calendar regarding strategies and tasks that need to be carried out through the course of the year, as well as assist in
the development of greater coordination strategies between students, graduates, faculty and administration. The Central American
Initiative project has developed the resource documents, as a part of the Global Strategic Focus and Policies Initiative of the BBA in
Finance program at Schreiner University, engaging a growing database of economic, political, trade and policy conditions throughout
the world, and specifically in this focus, Central America and neighboring Colombia. It is a paired with the European Initiative engaged
by students within the Schreiner University study abroad initiative in Florence, Italy. Both are directed within the comprehensive
Global Economic Freedom and Prosperity Fellows program scheduled to be initiated in 2016 -2017. The goal of the initiative is focused
on investigating the economics of international trade, finance and public policy, as well as the challenges of poverty and the
implementation of professional in-country training by our junior and senior level students. The research in Belize, Coast Rica, and
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Colombia, as well as across the broader Latin American and Caribbean Basin, will allow for an enhanced learning experience within
advanced academic courses, including international travel and study abroad programs.
26. Child Labor
Cailee Morgan & Alina Hilliard
Faculty Sponsor: Nelson Hernandez
To bring awareness about child labor and the effect it has on our society child labor goes around all the time and we don't even know
it.
27. Rye Beers
Giovanny Datiz, Mason Soward & Samantha Conner
Faculty Sponsor: Chris Distel
We focus on different types of Rye Beers, indicate how they were analyzed, predicted aesthetic profile and physical characteristics, and
provide a brief history of how rye beers got to where they are today.
28. Ubiquity of Microbes: The Mysterious Bacterium
Elizabeth Hall
Faculty Sponsor: Lee Crain
During the Ubiquity of Microorganisms laboratory activity in the Microbiology laboratory course several samples were taken from
random items utilizing sterile cotton swabs and aseptic technique. The samples were cultured on nutrient agar plates, labeled
accordingly, then placed in the incubator for forty-eight hours at 37°C. One sample from the interior of a shoe had an unusual growth
characteristic, it turned the agar a dark orange color. Further investigation was needed in order to identify this bacteria. Several
differential stain techniques were utilized to determine that the bacteria is gram negative, bacillus shaped, and that it is positive for
the acid fast staining technique. While these stains lend great insight, they do not identify the bacteria; they merely narrow down the
possibilities. Biochemical tests and differential and selective media were used to help further identify the microorganism. Many of the
results from these tests were negative, apart from Simmons Citrate and nitrate/nitrite reduction. These results suggested that this
bacterium could be an Acinetobacter, a Pseudomonas or a Mycobacterium. However, to identify the genus and species additional
differential tests and research need to be performed.
29. Smokeless Tobacco Bacteria
Bailiegh Toenes & Christian Valdez
Faculty Sponsor: Adrian Zapata
No abstract.
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30. Corona Extra: History, Characteristics, and Aesthetics
Jessica Lesley, Trevor Wren & Joe Martinez
Faculty Sponsor: Chris Distel
This group will be breaking down and analyzing CORONA EXTRA. This will be done by researching its history up to present day, its
physical characteristics, and aesthetic profile. Below is a very brief summary of its history, aesthetic profile, and characteristics.
History: Corona Extra is a Pale lager from Mexico that’s been brewed since 1925 by Cerveceria Modelo. It began making appearances
in the United States in 1981 and gained rapid popularity, making this beer the fastest growing, and current number one, imported
beer in American history. Corona Extra is sold in over 150 countries and is the fifth best selling beer globally. Aesthetics and
CharacteristicsCorona Extra is made with only filtered water, malted barley, yeast, hops, and corn, making it a light and refreshing
drink. It has aromas of fruit, honey, and malt with flavorings of balanced hops and malt. Corona Extras are served with a lime wedge
in the neck of the bottle to add a hint of tartness. They’re coloring is that of pale-straw with a medium white head. Corona Extra has a
4.6% ABV and a 19.3 IBU. The presentation will be in greater detail to give as much educational information to showcase goers about
Corona Extra.
31. Mixing It Up: Conflicts of Clashing Cultures
Brooke Tuck, Sarah Robinson & Jordan Lee
Faculty Sponsor: Nelson Hernandez
As a worldly citizen it is not a surprise to find that our music and art come from a combination of other cultures. Conflict can arise in
many different mediums including graffiti, comics and cartoons, and music styles. Graffiti can either be seen as an art or vandalism
depending on where in the world it is painted. Many countries feel that graffiti sets up a gateway to other types of illegal crime, while
some places in the world, such as the Berlin Wall or Hope Graffiti Park, encourage the expression of the artistic medium. Cartoons and
comics are a widely used form of entertainment, but with increasing exposure to other cultures styles of animation, conflicts are
arising. These conflicts take the form of rating systems not matching up, stereotypes getting out of hand, and a lack of translating
media to another culture. Music in some cultures mash together classic stories, life lessons, and other morals with a more renovated
music style such as hip-hop and rap music, however in the western culture it is more common to find this sort of music with vulgarity
in both language and subject matter.
32. Research and Evidence-based Nursing Practice
Devan Bauer
Faculty Sponsor: Kim McAlister
Participating in an active learning strategy to learn research and evidence-based nursing practice skills in a baccalaureate nursing
program Devan Bauer, Ashley Blades, Caron Buettner, Kase Crockett, Abby Flores, Joy Freeman, Inez Garcia, lacey Gonzalez,
Jackeline Hernandez, Rebeca Jones, Erica Kenyon, Westley Kenyon, David Landgrebe, Dalton Luckey, Katlin Millsap, Onice Palencia
Fuentes, Shana Poe, Natalie Sorenson, Stephanie Sutton, Nicole Wilkins
Abstract Nursing students need exposure to evidencebased practice and research to achieve the demands of quality care standards and to apply the knowledge to nursing practice. The skill
of critical appraisal of available research is vital to obtaining clinically important information and generating new knowledge.
Baccalaureate registered nursing students are expected to acquire proficiency in synthesizing research and applying it to nursing
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practice. To obtain experience with the scholarship required for evidence-based nursing practice, students were required to construct a
PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) research question based upon their experiences from their initial semester of
clinical experience. The students received instruction to assist the formation of a research question. The students obtained credible
nursing research related to the research question and conducted a systematic literature review. While participating in the research
process, students were instructed in the application of evidence-based practice to nursing practice; utilizing the results of their
literature searches to understand research principles. After synthesizing the results of the literature review, the students constructed
presentation posters. A university-based research seminar was held on campus, and the students participated in the poster
presentation, learning skills required to disseminate results. Students reflected the experience removed the fear of research and
generated a desire to participate in evidence-based nursing practice.
33. Intensive Reading Intervention
September Richter, Alma Munoz, Heather Stude & Victoria Farruggia
Faculty Sponsor: Karen Backor
The work of the Schreiner University Reading and Writing Academy documents the important-but too often invisible work that is going
on in this rural area of Texas. The Reading and Writing Academy not only provides a model for effective training for clinical teachers in
rural areas, it also provides a model for encouraging participation in higher education among some of the most at-risk students in rural
areas. There is no magic bullet that will close all the gaps for higher education participation and success. However, the Schreiner
University Reading and Writing Academy is a powerful example of the way a region-not unlike many other regions in Texas-with few
resources can better prepare its teacher candidates and put young students on a pathway towards a successful higher education
experience. The Academy puts into place coursework, such as theory, content knowledge, curriculum development, lesson planning,
methods, management, diversity, differentiated instruction, intervention, and assessment. Learning to read is most effective when it
incorporates an explicit, systematic, empirical, multi-sensory approach to reading instruction. Children learn when they are actively
engaged. Therefore, the Academy utilizes dynamic lessons that incorporate phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and
comprehension to create a learning environment of active engagement. Differentiation of instruction enables student success.
Scientific Based Reading Research (SBRR) indicates a correlation between reading improvement when using systematic, explicit, and
empirical approach to reading instruction. SBRR also indicates that when using multi-sensory phonics instruction struggling readers or
are dyslexic or have dyslexic tendencies. Clinical teachers at the Academy incorporate multi-sensory strategies with students with
dyslexic tendencies, which is supported by the National Reading Panel (2000) that found the Slingerland multi-sensory reading
approach which met the criteria for quality instruction.
34. Pepperie Tincture versus Shisedio
Kaitlin Beettner, Kara Miller & Miana Zapata
Faculty Sponsor: Danette Vines
Our research revolves around the discovery of possible essential oils found in a local peppercorn tincture. The local peppercorn tincture
is also being compared to a popular international product called Adenogen, manufactured by Shiseido. The goal of our research is to
assist a local business in determining the active components in their hair product.
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35. BSN Costa Rica - Common Health Issues
Tony Farmer, Briana Gonzalez, Brooke Segner, Jacquelyn Lewis & Kelley Bradley
Faculty Sponsor: Mary Pautler
The 2017 class of the Schreiner University BSN Program traveled to Costa Rica in the summer of 2016 to take part in a medical service
learning trip with International Service Learning (ISL). The students spent several weeks leading up to the trip studying the culture,
food, practices and beliefs of the Costa Rican people to adequately prepare them to provide culturally-sensitive care. Upon arriving in
Costa Rica, the students spent time with the ISL team learning commonly used Spanish phrases to effectively communicate within the
communities. The students set up free medical clinics for the citizens of several poverty ridden communities in the San Jose, Costa
Rica region. The students were split into groups to go into the community to assess the medical needs of the community. Each group
was assigned a translator to effectively communicate with community members. The groups visited as many households within the
community as possible, assessing whether any members of the family needed medical attention. The students were also able to assess
the living situation of each family, determining the status of running water, toilets, food preparation area conditions, etc. If a member
of the family was determined to be ill they were offered a ticket to the free community clinic that was put on by the students each
afternoon. The students worked with the ISL doctors, pharmacists, and translators to assess each patient and provide basic medical
attention. If a patient presented with a serious condition that needed further attention, the medical team would provide a referral to
the local public health clinic and/or hospital. The students walked away with a better working knowledge of community health and the
common health problems of the Costa Rican people; including, but not limited to, diabetes, fungal infections, and hypertension.
36. How does disturbance of aquatic ecosystems affect gene flow among damselfly populations in central
Texas?
Craig McCain & Mary Huerta
Faculty Sponsor: Ryan Caesar
We are using the tools of phylogenetic analysis and population genetics to characterize and monitor genetic variation among
populations of common damselflies across several freshwater ecosystems in the Hill Country of central Texas. These data will be used
to determine the extent to which natural and human disturbances alter patterns of gene flow in these habitats. Such disturbances
include periodic cycles of flood and drought, climate change, introduced species, alteration of stream structure and flow, agricultural
and industrial input, and recreation. Implications for urban planning, landowners, conservation efforts, and the general public will be
explored.
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Panel Abstracts
(by venue)
Fishbowl
1:45 – 2:05 pm
Hill Country Grant Foundations
Andy Overgard
Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Grubesic
Research has been conducted and contact made to local foundations that financially support Non-Profit organizations in the area. A
binder has been constructed to allow for a quick survey of these foundations. In the binder one will find history on the foundation,
what specifically does the foundation sponsor, what are the filing criteria, point of contact, and past amounts of grants given. This shall
be a valuable resource for any non-profit organization or individual that may plan to do research in the future.
2:15 – 2:35 pm
Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries
Tatyana Carnes
Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Grubesic
Overview of Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries What is it? Purpose, mission, information, etc. Overview of Internship life for HCDBM
Expectations, job requirements, duties, etc. Personal Reflection Video.
2:45 – 3:05 pm
The Potential Role of Dynactin in the Drosophila Toll Signaling Pathway
Elizabeth Hall
Faculty Sponsor: Susan Klinedinst
Toll-signaling is a major component of innate immunity, which is a system that provides the first response to an immune challenge. In
Drosophila melanogaster, an immune challenge stimulates Spätzle to recognize a PAMP and bind to Toll. Toll then forms a complex
with dMyD88, Tube, Pelle, and Dorsal. This complex initiates the degradation of Cactus by phosphorylation, which in turn causes the
nuclear translocation of Dorsal carrying the signal necessary to trigger an immune response against the infection. Because Dynactin
acts as a carrier or transporter molecule, it is possible that it is responsible for the nuclear translocation of Dorsal. To test this,
Drosophila Dynactin mutants will be challenged by being pricked in order to stimulate an innate immune response. These mutants will
then be examined under a fluorescent microscope to qualitatively compare the amount of Dorsal protein found in the nucleus in the
unchallenged vs. challenged larvae. An abundance of Dorsal protein in the cytoplasm and not the nucleus of challenged mutant larvae
would support the hypothesis that Dynactin is required for the nuclear translocation of Dorsal.
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3:15 – 3:35 pm
Case Study: Anger Management and Face in Athletes’ Conflicts
Stephen Harty
Faculty Sponsor: Mary Grace Antony
I will be presenting a case study on conflict patterns and athletes – namely, anger management, face value, and how the media
portrays them. I will focus on Charles Barkley and Tonya Harding.
3:45 – 4:15 pm
Temporal Characterization of Immunological Proteins in Salmonella infected Horn Flies
Amy Garces
Faculty Sponsor: Ryan Ceasar
Salmonellosis is a concerning bacterial disease among cattle. Previously, Salmonella was thought to have an oral-fecal route of
transmission, but, Dr. Olafson with the USDA has hypothesized that salmonella can be transmitted through the blood stream of the
cattle through the horn flies as vectors. Horn flies are common pests around cattle. These flies eat a blood meal from the cattle and
breed in the cattle feces where the salmonella bacterium is found. Once, the horn flies are done breeding in the salmonella infested
manure, they go back to feeding on the cattle spreading the disease from their contact in the infested manure to the open wounds of
the cattle where the flies feed. The constant feeding and breeding in the manure from the horn flies presents the blood stream
transmission mode. A few questions posed are whether salmonella can infect horn flies and if it can be passed down to their offspring.
To determine this, primers were engineered to target peptidoglycan recognition proteins, defensin, attacin, sarcotoxin, phormicin, and
lysozyme proteins in different life stages of the salmonella infected horn fly. We found most of these proteins expressing as early as 34 day horn fly eggs suggesting that salmonella could be passed on to their offspring and that salmonella continued to be present in the
horn fly up until it fully developed and fed on cattle.
4:15 – 4:30 pm
Streptococcus mutans: pH Affects on Tooth Decay
Nicole Roberts
Faculty Sponsor: Adrian Zapata
Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases in the world. When enamel erodes or is weakened there is no known treatment for
reversal (Pennisi, 2005; Scherp, 1971). Streptococcus mutans are gram-positive bacteria that reside in the oral cavity and intake sugar to
produce acid, which causes erosion to the enamel and leads to tooth decay (Pennisi, 2005; Zijnge, 2010). It was important to determine the
effects that pH had on the production of acid in the presence of Streptococcus mutans. To fully understand the amount of erosion of
the enamel, based on the amount of acid produced, six beakers were set up in replication of the oral cavity. The pH of each beaker
was altered using minimal amounts of 0.1M OH- and H+. The pH’s were changed to 5.5 (the acidity of the mouth), 7, 8.5, and 10. It
was found that a more basic solution decreased the effectiveness of the s. mutans lowering the production of acid.
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Theater
1:45 – 2:05 pm
Final Four Experiential Learning
Christina Darring, Alexandra Gill, Autumn Sanderson, Keenan Gumbs & Michael Holder
Faculty Sponsor: Barry Shaw
The Sport Management and Exercise Science Department took 8 students to the N.C.A.A. Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four in
Phoenix March 29-April 1. The students volunteered to work the Fan Festival and Music Festival. They worked as office support signed
people up to get wavier bracelets in order to participate in games at the Fan Festival. They also worked as host and greeters, handing
out clear bags necessary to enter the events, and helped with the outside mini basketball games.
2:15 – 2:35 pm
Schneider Hefeweizen
Kathryn Bushman, Megan Whittley & Dalton Parcus
Faculty Sponsor: Chris Distel
We will be giving a glimpse into the world of beer studies by providing a short presentation on Schneider Hefeweizen. To help the
audience understand why we chose to present this specific beer, we will be going over the history of Schneider and its origins in
Germany. Throughout our presentation we will be covering Schneider’s ingredients and the brewing process which takes place at its
main brewery, the sensations and tastes the beer evokes such as flavor and mouthfeel, the recipe and food pairings recommended for
the best enjoyment and taste, and the popularity of Schneider and its distribution over the world, particularly its influence in America.
By sharing these aspects of our presentation, we hope to help others understand why studying beer is a knowledgeable and
worthwhile endeavor that opens one up to new and exciting experiences.
2:45 – 3:05 pm
Community Health in Colombia
Jessica Chadd & Andy Overguard
Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Grubesic
We will present on a community health trip to Colombia, South America. Jessica will focus on the public health aspect of the coffee
workers and the health effects from their job. Andy will focus on disaster preparedness for the communities. Both of our topics will be
based from the town of Chinchina, Caldas Colombia where we spent most of our time. We both found key issues that we will talk about
as well as some suggestions to fix these issues. For ex: the community is near a volcano and a more up to day alarm system could
work or the coffee workers have a lot of foot problems and wearing shoes can help.
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3:15 – 3:35 pm
SU Campus Community Partnership with Magdalene House
Ciara Lillie & Kathy Bogie, Director of Magdalene
Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Grubesic
An academic partnership between Schreiner students and the non-profit Magdalene House. Magdalene House is a non-profit two year
residential community serving women who have been victimized by trafficking, prostitution, addiction, and abuse. The goals have been
to create a database for Magdalene House, Beautification of grounds, and create a strong connection between the organization and
Schreiner University to Public Heath department and Business program. Major results have been the success of their fundraiser
dinner/show as well as the completion of their donor/committee database.
3:45 – 4:15 pm
Presentation of dramatic monologue from Euripides: Electra
Kayla Castenada
Faculty Sponsor: Claudia Sullivan
Euripides’ tragic tale of family drama Electra is set at the beginning of the Trojan War. Electra’s mother, Clytemnestra has murdered
her husband, Agamemnon in revenge for his sacrificing their daughter, Iphigenia. Electra now sets herself to avenge the death of her
father by murdering her mother and her lover, Aegisthus.
The performance of this monologue demonstrates the student’s ability to understand and execute the unique acting style of the
ancient Greek theatre. Voice and movements are exaggerated, heightened to fill what was in its time an open-air theatre filled to a
capacity of 5,000 during the festival of the god Dionysus.
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Ballroom 3
1:45 – 2:05 pm
Promoting Two Interdisciplinary Minors at a Small Liberal Arts University
Austin Morgenroth
Faculty Sponsors: Mary Grace Antony & Krisann Muskievicz
This paper outlines the promotion of two interdisciplinary minors (Global Studies and Medical Humanities) at Schreiner University,
discussing unique marketing tools developed used to establish services associated with the brand names. I review the needs and
strengths of the project as well as future development and integration of the campus using a peer to peer model developed for a small
private liberal arts university setting. I also lay out clear objectives to meet through using a peer to peer model based on interpersonal
communication tactics.
2:15 – 2:35 pm
Life in 360
Brian Lindsey
Faculty Sponsor: Claire Rabson
This project displays the abilities of the 360 camera, and how it can be utilized throughout the school for educational and promotional
purposes.
2:45 – 3:05 pm
Raspberry Pi Picture frame
Ethan Gregory
Faculty Sponsor: Claire Rabson
I am taking a raspberry Pi 2 and hooking it up to a raspberry pi touchscreen that is in a special case which will allow the Pi to sit in the
back of it and look like a picture frame. Then off of the Pi i am going to load on a program that will allow me to display pictures and
media and even possibly movies.
3:15 – 3:35 pm
Identifying the role of Eip63E in Drosophila using protein-protein interactions
Lizet Ramirez
Faculty Sponsor: Susan Klinedinst
Axonal transport in neurons is crucial for the cell’s function in that it is responsible for the transport of important cargoes back and
forth throughout the cell. This transport is carried out by the kinesin and dynein/dynactin molecular motors that move along the
microtubules in the axon. Through a series of genetic screenings performed in Drosophila, it was identified that 28 genes genetically
interacted with both the kinesin and dynein/dynactin complexes. One of these genes, Eip63E, whose function is not currently well
understood, was found to participate in axonal transport. The actual function of Eip63E and how it interacts or affects the molecular
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motors remains unknown. This research focuses on trying to identify the function of this gene through the physical interactions of the
molecular transport proteins, surrounding proteins and the Eip63E protein itself. Currently, I am generating both Myc and GFP tagged
Eip63E constructs in order to perform co-immunoprecipitation experiments.
3:45 – 4:15 pm
The Effectiveness of Germicides: A Test to Compare the Use of Regular Household Cleaners, Industrial
Cleaners and “Green” Cleaners on Killing Germs
Sarah Higgerson
Faculty Sponsor: Lesa Presley
A germicide is described as an agent that destroys pathogenic microorganisms, designed to reduce the number of pathogens that live
on a surface, in a liquid, and on or in living tissue. A disinfectant is a germicide that kills those harmful microorganisms on the surfaces
of inanimate objects. Before disinfectants are allowed on the market, they must be tested and classified by the FDA or the EPA for
their effectiveness against destroying pathogens. The most commonly used test for effectiveness is the Use-Dilution Test developed in
1955 by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, AOAC. This test has now become a standard for evaluating liquid and dilute
liquid disinfectants for hard surfaces. Glass beads are coated with the living organism and are exposed to varying concentrations of
test disinfectants. Then they are transferred to a growth medium, and the medium is examined for microbial growth. We applied a
modification of the Use-Dilution method to compare the effectiveness of various disinfectants used in homes and schools as well as
test the efficacy of the increasingly popular “green” cleaners. Environmental samples of microorganisms were used to demonstrate
how cleaners work against organisms in our everyday environment. Pure samples of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also used since they are some of the most common microorganisms we encounter. A
spectrophotometer was utilized to quantify the bacterial growth between each disinfectant.
4:15 – 4:30 pm
Competitive Effects of Invasive Central Stone Rollers on Native Texas Aquatic Snails
Brandon Morris
Faculty Sponsor: Chris Distel
Non-terrestrial species have been invading Texas ecosystems for many years. Private owners have contributed to the introduction of
the armored catfish into Texas rivers and streams. Armored catfish are benthic grazers, and little is currently known about their
competitive interactions with other native benthic grazers. The research I am proposing involves the study of competition for food
resources between the armored catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) and the native Texas snail Elimia comalensis. My proposal is to test
whether the armored catfish can out compete E. comalensis for algal resources which has the potential to significantly decrease the
snail population.
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River Room
1:45 – 2:05 pm
National Model United Nations: The Experience
Hayli Phillips, Daly Smith, Coby Velez & Rhiannon Broman-Salazar
Faculty Sponsor: Michael Grillo
National Model United Nations is a program that allows undergraduate students to participate in a simulation of the United Nations. For
the simulation, each school is assigned a state to represent for the 4 day conference held in New York City. The political science
department from Schreiner University will have participated twice by the date of the academic showcase (March 2016 and April 2017.)
During the 2016 conference Schreiner University represented South Sudan on six UN committees and Nigeria in the Security Council.
This year Schreiner University will be representing the Georgia on 10 committees and Kazakhstan in the Security Council. To prepare
for the conference, students research their assigned state, their UN committee, their country’s position on assigned committee topics,
and as formal rules and procedures for debate and resolution writing. During the 2016 conference, Schreiner University students won
an honorable mention award, which is rare for a first time delegation. As a result of the work and research put into preparation for the
conference students have developed a deeper understanding for the workings of the intergovernmental organization as well as an
enhanced knowledge of a foreign culture.
2:15 – 2:35 pm
The Effect of Biofilms on Lone Star Ticks
Alyssa Navarrete
Faculty Sponsor: Ryan Caesar
Pesticides are substances used for eradicating organisms that are harmful to cultivated plants or animals. In the recent years,
pesticides have been a controversial issue due to their efficiency as well as their harmful effect on the environment. Research has
shown that toxic pesticides eventually become less effective over time because the target organisms become resistant. This results in
new pesticides being produced with more chemicals being used that actually harm non-target species or contaminate the environment
around them. Non-toxic pesticides (biorationals, natural substances) have become increasingly popular over the last few years as a
result of this issue. Ticks are small blood-feeding parasites that are known for spreading disease among humans, cattle, and many
other animals. This research will study the use of a non-toxic biofilm on the lone star tick to determine its effectiveness as a non-toxic
pesticide. Our goal is to determine if this biofilm will be efficient in targeting ticks but not non-target species as well as being a safe
substance in the environment.
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2:45 – 3:05 pm
…Can We Talk?
COMM 3320 Intercultural Communication students, feat. Martin Olivares, Colter Dieringer, and Jordan George
Faculty Sponsor: Mary Grace Antony
Polarized opinions. Global and national crises. Hidden social issues. Hurtful assumptions. Why is it so difficult for us to talk to one
another about these problems? Students in COMM 3320 Intercultural Communication confront many of these topics and more in a
daring short film. Our goal: to start a campus-wide conversation about the real issues that many of us prefer not to discuss. Following
the film screening, there will be a brief discussion with 3 of the students featured in the film.
3:15 – 3:35 pm
United Nations Internship
Audrey Oswalt
Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Grubesic
As a Public health major, I used the Model United Nations course (Dr. Grillo) as an internship experience. I learned about the United
Nations and the country the class represented at Model UN, Georgia. I discuss the current climate and concerns for the people of
Georgia from a Public Health perspective. This includes the access to safe and sanitized water, problems and urbanization, and women
rights with further country development. Further, the presentation is to engage students in understanding global Public Health efforts
from the resolutions and discussion the UN-Habitat committee I served on with international students, the importance of the United
Nations while promoting more students of different majors to take interest into the coursework for the future.
3:45 – 4:15 pm
Pan's Labyrinth
Remington McBee, James Clary & Brittany Stolicki
Faculty Sponsor: Lydia Kualapai
Our on-camera analysis of Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth (2007) was the final assignment in the Introduction to Film Studies
course taught by Dr. Lydia Kualapai in the fall 2016 semester at Schreiner University. The course focused on (1) the history of
narrative film from an international perspective, (2) the technical components of filmmaking, and (3) the function of film as both an
art form and a communication medium. In creating our analysis, we utilized our knowledge of film language, the technical elements of
filmmaking, and the methodology of film analysis. After many hours in the Center for Digital Learning, we learned how to manipulate
the camera and lighting, how to discuss film appropriately, and how to use film language. We also learned how to film a video, record
the audio, and incorporate film clips. Overall, we learned to appreciate the role of film in culture, analyze film as an art form,
deconstruct the internal structure of a film, decode film language, and critique film as a series of narratives. In addition, we used
critical writing to analyze plot, character development, and setting. Writing our analysis as a film script meant that we needed a strong
critical argument written in film language and based on peer-reviewed secondary sources. Our goal was to demonstrate how form and
content interact to tell a story, thus offering viewers a greater appreciation of del Toro’s film. By the end of the course we had
become adept at analyzing a film’s intended impact on the viewer and “reading” a film through its cultural and historical context.
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Ballroom 2
1:45 – 2:05 pm
Characterization of CG6178 and CG6678 in Drosophila Axonal Transport
Alliona Fay
Faculty Sponsor: Susan Klinedinst
Motor Neurons are highly polarized cells with a complex architecture. From the cell body, an array of dendritic branches extend out,
specialized to receive signals. The axon, another extension from the cell body, which can reach up to a meter in some humans, will
form synaptic contact with muscle cells. The molecular motors, Dynein and Kinesin are required to transport various cargoes including
lipids, growth factors, synaptic vesicles and organelles through the axon from cell body to synapse and vice versa. This transport is
critical for the normal functioning of the nervous system and dysfunction appears to lead to certain neurological diseases including
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer Disease and Huntington Disease. It was previously found that both CG6178 and CG6678
genetically interact with both molecular motors Dynein and Kinesin. Both also show axonal transport defects in a kinesin sensitized
background. We are now trying to elucidate a potential independent role for each of these genes in axonal transport.
2:15 – 2:35 pm
Using Photogrammetry to create a Virtual Campus Tour for the HTC Vive
James Lewis & James Collier
Faculty Sponsor: Brian Bernard
Virtual worlds have many uses, ranging from therapy and rehabilitation to recreational video games. Traditionally, virtual worlds have
been limited to what creators can build using software on a workstation and display on monitors or projectors. Although graphics and
software have been steadily increasing in quality, allowing more complex shapes and more realistic textures, environments have still
been limited to two dimensional viewing. Using three relatively new technologies that have been previously limited to large
corporations or government entities, it is now possible to create realistic 3D simulations accessible to the consumer market on virtual
reality headsets. Firstly, by using photogrammetry, scanned shapes and textures of life sized objects that previously would have been
digitally created, can be processed for import into a graphics engine for use. Second, by using a relatively low cost UAV with a high
resolution camera, it is possible to quickly photograph entire buildings or campuses in a way that would have required a helicopter a
decade ago. Thirdly, by using the HTC Vive, abstracted control in the form of keyboard, mouse or gamepad are largely eliminated and
users receive an immersive experience where they look with their head, move with their feet and lift with their arms and hands. By
combining these three technologies with the Unity game engine, we have created a virtual model of our school campus that can be
explored, inspected, and interacted with. This project gave us experience in software and engineering design, and provides a campus
experience to prospective students, alumni, and members of the community that they can enjoy from the comfort of their own home.
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2:45 – 3:05 pm
Schreiner University's Texas Nurses Student Association
Lacey Gonzales, Tony Farmer, Natalie Sorenson, Nicole Wilkins & Abby Flores
Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Grubesic
We attended Texas Nurse Day (2/27) at the capitol in Austin through the generous donation from the “Office of Meaningful Work” at
Schreiner University. The focus of TNA on Texas Nurse Day was to acknowledge nursing’s agenda for the 85th session. This session
focused on: Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), mental health, nurse education, regulatory, school nurses, workplace
advocacy, child safety, Texas Women’s Health Coalition, and Public Health. The members of TNSA from Schreiner University: attended
the House Public Health Committee to support Representative Donna Howard for House Bill 280, met with the staff of representative
Andrew Murr to advocate for House Bill 1415/Senate Bill 681 to grant APRNs full practice authority. Along with granting APRNs full
practice authority, our group was able to sit in on several committee meetings which shed light on many nursing issues. Leaving the
capital that evening we each left with more knowledge about our future careers, potential dilemmas we may face, and confidence that
we can contribute our voices to encourage changes in laws to better advocate for our patients, establish safe practices for ourselves,
and advance our careers.
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