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ACADEMIC SYMPOSIUM A Celebration of th e Liberal Arts | April
17, 2012
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Welcome to the 2012 Rochester College Academic Symposium
A Celebration of th e Liberal Arts Welcome to Rochester College’s 9th annual Academic Symposium, where we join together to celebrate our vibrant academic community. We are especially honored to present the academic achievements and capstone projects of 58 Rochester College students. This year’s program boasts a diversity of form and subject matter as reflected in students’ scholarly papers, executive simulations, theatrical performances, and musical recitals. Our Symposium events kicked off last Friday with a Symposium performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, arguably the most celebrated comedy of the past five centuries, and will conclude at Friday evening’s senior music recital. All of our students’ performances and presentations are exciting indicators of our institutional mission which seeks to “cultivate academic excellence, principled character, servant leadership, and global awareness within an inclusive Christian heritage.” In addition to our student presentations, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Virinder K. Moudgil, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Oakland University, who will deliver our keynote address. Dr. Moudgil is a gifted scholar, a leader in our community, and a friend of the college. We are honored to have him participate in this special event on our campus. We welcome your participation in this wonderful event, and we congratulate all of our student scholars for their achievements.
Sincerely,
John Barton, Ph.D. Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Featured Speaker: Dr. Virinder K. Moudgil Pro vost, Oakland University Dr. Virinder K. Moudgil joined Oakland University in 1976 as an assistant professor of biological sciences, after receiving his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Banaras Hindu University, and completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He was promoted to full professor in 1987, and during 1994-2001, he served as the department chair. Dr. Moudgil has served as a visiting scientist at institutions in Paris and Belgrade, and he was a consultant to the United Nations Development Program. He is a graduate of the Harvard Institute of Educational Management. He is the recipient of many honors, including the Michigan Association of Governing Boards of State Universities’ Outstanding Faculty Award, Oakland University Foundation Research Excellence Award, the Marian P. Wilson Award, the George Wibby Award, and the Academic Leadership Award from the Michigan International Chamber of Commerce. He served as the chair of the Academic Officers Committee of the President’s Council of State Universities of Michigan. During the course of his scientific career, Dr. Moudgil has received significant grant awards from the National Institutes of Health. His research on steroid hormone action, tumor suppressors, and breast cancer has resulted in wide recognition and more than 200 publications in scientific journals, edited books, book chapters, and scientific conference proceedings. He has trained numerous undergraduates, masters, Ph.D., and post-doctoral scientists, has presented invited lectures on international scientific platforms, and has chaired scientific sessions and symposia in the U.S., Canada, France, Australia, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Spain, the Netherlands, China, and India. He is the editor–in-chief of the series on Hormones in Health and Disease and the Organizer of the international Meadow Brook Conferences on Steroid Receptors in Health and Disease. He has served as a regular member of the NIH peer review Study Sections. In July 2001, Dr. Moudgil was appointed to his current position as the university’s chief academic officer and serves as the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Since his appointment, Dr. Moudgil has provided committed, effective academic leadership and support to OU’s outstanding faculty and their programs. He co-chaired the steering committee charged with developing the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, which opened with a charter class of 50 students on Aug. 11, 2011. A number of academic and research initiatives have been launched by him to move the university forward, and the institution now holds the rank of a doctoral research university. He was also instrumental in launching the Provost Undergraduate and Graduate Research Scholar Programs to provide opportunities for a distinctive research experience to all students.
Program of Events Friday, April 13 PERFORMANCE OF “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM” Modern, energetic, and abridged, Rochester College’s production of this Shakespearean comedy features a young couple realizing the hardships of true love. Faced with many obstacles, forces beyond their control conspire to bring about their fairytale ending. Find out how everything resolves itself in this innovative approach, one that incorporates original music with Shakespeare’s classic text. RC Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 14 PERFORMANCE OF “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM” RC Theatre, 2 p.m.
Monday, April 16 ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONY The Academic Awards Ceremony allows academic departments to honor their outstanding students and the college to present the Distinguished Faculty Award. A cheesecake reception follows. RC Theatre, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 17 STUDENT PRESENTATIONS | DR. VIRINDER K. MOUDGIL | ROCHESTER COLLEGE BAND CONCERT For a complete schedule of events, see the following pages.
Wednesday, April 18 MUSIC DEPARTMENT HONORS RECITAL This recital features the music department’s best students in voice, piano, and other instruments. The music performed ranges from classic to contemporary and is presented by individuals who represent the highest levels of performance ability. SENIOR MUSIC RECITAL: MATT BRUNO Matt Bruno will present a voice and piano recital that fulfills the requirement for his music degree. The recital takes place in the Rochester College Theatre immediately after the Music Department Honors Recital. RC Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 19 EMMY AWARDS A fun-filled evening presented by Student Government, the annual RC Emmy Awards celebrate campus life and campus personalities. This award ceremony is comprised of several student-voted mock awards, as well as the presentation of Mr. and Ms. Rochester College, the Second Miler award, and the Peggy Matthews and Wes Taphin athletic awards. RC Theatre, 7 p.m.
Friday, April 20 SENIOR MUSIC RECITAL: KIMBERLY CLEMENS Kimberly Clemens will present a demonstration of elementary education music teaching techniques in this unique performance that includes several of her students. RC Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 19 Concurrent Session A: 9-10:15 a.m.
Business 1 — Auditorium East Starbucks: Shane Averitt, Marcus Long, Brian Matlock, Jon Nelson Walt Disney Company: Shannon Biernat, Stephen Carowick, Kyle Hamm, Tom Ngobi Theatre 1 — Richardson Center 117 James Busam: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream:” Creating Lysander & Company Mass Communication 1 — Ham Library 115 Tanna Evans and Kaimana Kaaikala: To Name or Not to Name: One of Media’s Biggest Ethical Debates Kayce McClure: Are the Kids All Right? The Exploitation of Media Youth Math 1— Ham Library 113 Elizabeth Barbe: Real World Application: Linking Mathematics to the Daily Lives of Students Natasha Downing: Using Manipulatives to Teach Mathematics Psychology 1 — Auditorium West Teri Butcher: How Stress Affects Mood Disturbance in Adolescents with High/Low Locus of Control and Resilience John Jones: Motivation and its Effects on Student Academic Performance Religion 1 — Ham Library 112 Genesis Johnson: The Death of Christ: An Act of God or the Plot of a Malicious Empire? Mark Turner: The Origin, Meaning, and Use of “Son of Man” Language in Mark
Plenary Session 1: 10:30-11:15 a.m. Dr. Virinder K. Moudgil RC Theatre
Concurrent Session B: 12:45-2 p.m.
Business 2 — Auditorium East Harley Davidson: Rick Doran, Anthony Laster, Justin Mainero, Liz Stockwell, Marvin Stokes Nike: Grant Feder, Paige Henley, Missy Roy, Pia Tocco, Chelsea Villeme English 1/Religion 2— Richardson Center 117 Rachel Grant: Reconciling Space and Time Clay Stanton: Eschatology: The “Telos” of God’s Story Mass Communication 2 — Ham Library 115 Taycee Friar and Jasmynn Heskett: Media: More Powerful than You Realize Lauren Kellwitz: Public Eye vs. Private Eye: The Blurred Lines of a Celebrity’s Right to Privacy Math 2/Science 1 — Ham Library 113 Randee Rowell: Mathematics Education for the Visually Impaired Rachel Sorensen: Analysis of Glutamine Synthetase Proteins during Soybean Seed Development
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Psychology 2 — Auditorium West Reginald Harvel: Assessing the Impact and Understanding of Communication through Computer Assisted, Face-to-Face, and Non-verbal Mediums Kristen Hodge: The Effects of Texting in the Classroom Religion 3 — Ham Library 112 Tiara Morgan: The God of All Comfort Michael Stiner: Seeker Churches: Can This Really Be Church?
Concurrent Session C: 2:15-3:30
Business 3 — Auditorium East Calloway Golf: Falon Ball, Aaron Distelrath, Alex Hacias, Jenelle Peckham, Caleb Tift Mass Communication 3 — Ham Library 115 Nicholas McDonald and Andrew Muma: Perception Matters: Media Coverage of Criminal Conduct Melissa Clayton: Turning Point in the Media: The Vietnam War Science 2 — Ham Library 113 Timothy Langer: Science and the State: How Government Science Policies Influence the Advancement of Science Gary Turner: Sir Isaac Newton: Evolutionary or Revolutionary? Psychology 3 — Auditorium West Lenore Waites: Efficacy of a Work Based Treatment on the Reduction of Stress Behaviors in a Mouse Model Josie Cervantes: “South Park:” Fourth Grade Wisdom
Concurrent Session D: 3:45-5 p.m.
Mass Communication 4 — Ham Library 115 Ashley Kemp-Watkins and Porschia Williams: Future Consumers Beware: The Effects of Advertising on Children and Adolescents in Our Society Darius Kellar: Manipulated Photos in the Media Psychology 4 — Auditorium West Stephany Morgan: The Emotional Body: Correlations between Chinese Medicine and Psychosomatic Ailments Madalyn Gareau: Visual Priming: Its Impact on Odor Perception
Rochester College Band Concert
The Rochester College Concert Band presents a program of music that is not only part of Academic Symposium week, but also part of Rochester College’s participation in the American Library Association’s traveling exhibit “A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs, 1910-1965.” RC Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
Student Abstracts Elizabeth Barbe Major: Elementary Math Education Hometown: Madison Heights, MI Real World Application: Linking Mathematics to the Daily Lives of Students Over the years, many students have sat in math classes, wondering why they need math or when they would ever apply it to their daily lives. Failing to see any value in math, they often lose interest, which can lead to a decline in their success. A real world application of mathematics helps to solve this problem by getting students interested and involved. Also known as real world connections, real world application of mathematics incorporates the daily lives of students, both at school and at home, into different mathematical settings. This approach not only gives students a purpose for mathematics, but it also strengthens their mathematical abilities, especially in problem solving. With real world application becoming a common method for teaching math, the purpose of this study is to examine these ideas and curricula, showing how real world application can improve students’ feelings about and scores in math. Mentor: Dr. David Brackney James Busam Major: Interdisciplinary Studies: Theatre/Music Hometown: Clinton Township, MI “A Midsummer Night’s Dream:” Creating Lysander & Company Taking you behind the scenes of a touring Shakespeare production, James Busam will be presenting on what is required to produce and perform in a touring ensemble production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. To successfully produce the show, Busam worked with the ensemble to create a concept, establish a budget, advertise, and coordinate all design aspects of the show. He will also be covering his responsibilities as an actor in the tour. The creative journey of finding his character will include his journals, research, production history of the play, and a detailed character analysis of his role as Lysander. Mentors: Professor Catherine Parker and Rob Arbaugh Teri Butcher Major: Psychology Hometown: Romeo, MI How Stress Affects Mood Disturbance in Adolescents with High/Low Locus of Control and Resilience While locus of control, coping, and moods have individually received academic attention, studies combining these variables with adolescents are lacking. This study examines whether adolescents with an internal locus of control (LOC) have a high resiliency and low mood disturbance and whether adolescents with external locus of control have low resilience and high mood disturbance. Using an impossible task as a mood stressor, it was hypothesized that adolescents with a high locus of control and high resilience will have low mood disturbance and that adolescents with low locus of control and low resilience will have high mood disturbance. A sample of 53 adolescents participated in a half hour study. The results showed that participants with an internal LOC had low mood disturbance (M=31.96) and that participants with an external LOC had high mood disturbance (M=60.40). Mentor: Dr. Robyn Siegel-Hinson
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Josie Cervantes Major: Interdisciplinary Studies: Psychology/Mass Communication Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI “South Park:” Fourth Grade Wisdom The mere mentioning of the animated television show South Park often provokes disapproval due to its continual crossing of “politically incorrect” boundaries. Through the lens of satirical humor, Stan, Kyle, Kenny, Cartman and the myriad of other South Park residents invite viewers to examine topical social issues from a different perspective. Utilizing various psychological, psychosocial and communication theories suggests that South Park allows the viewer to proclaim in unison with Stan, “I’ve learned something today.” Mentor: Dr. Gordon MacKinnon Melissa Clayton Major: Mass Communication/Broadcasting Hometown: Waterford, MI Turning Point in the Media: The Vietnam War During the graphically horrific Vietnam War era of the 1960s, negative and uncensored media coverage often encouraged anti-war sentiments. Americans often forgot about the soldier fighting for their rights overseas because they could not understand the true violence that the soldier saw on a daily basis. Media during this time had its own agenda and created anti-war sentiments by putting a slant on the coverage of the war. Mentor: Professor Lora Hutson Natasha Downing Major: Elementary Mathematics Education Hometown: Highland, MI Using Manipulatives to Teach Mathematics Mathematics is a subject that by nature is very abstract, causing numerous students to have negative attitudes regarding mathematics and thus poor performance levels in mathematics. This is an epidemic that educators need to be aware of and find a solution to. One way to help combat the abstractness of mathematics is to incorporate the use of manipulatives in classroom mathematics instruction. This study looks at research pertaining to the effectiveness of manipulatives in mathematics education in reducing students’ (and teachers’) negative feelings towards mathematics. The reasons manipulatives are not used more frequently by teachers will also be discussed as well as the exploration of how to overcome these roadblocks. The introduction and implementation of virtual manipulatives will also be discussed. Mentor: Dr. David Brackney Tanna Evans and Kaimana Kaaikala Major: Mass Communication/Public Relations, Mass Communication/Broadcasting Hometown: Hubbard, OH/Stanton, MI To Name or Not to Name: One of Media’s Biggest Ethical Debates “My rapist doesn’t know he’s a rapist because society blames me.” – Anonymous In 2010, the Disaster Center recorded a total of 84,767 cases of reported rape as opposed to the 17,190 reported in 1960. The question about these rising statistics as they pertain to the media does not deal with the humanity or prevention of this crime; rather, it deals with the question, “Does the media release names because it can, or does the victim deserve privacy?” With the increased awareness and accessibility people now have for reporting cases of rape, the media has been forced to take a stance on whether or not the names of rape victims and the accused should be given. Media outlets have all taken different stances on the issue, and this presentation will look at many of the factors involved in making that decision. We will begin with the history of this debate along with several of the ethical stances media outlets have taken pertaining to such a “taboo issue.” Come listen as we dissect some of the earliest arguments as well as modern ones for and against the issue of revealing the names of rapists and their victims. Mentor: Professor Lora Hutson
Taycee Friar and Jasmynn Heskett Major: Pre-Law/Mass Communication, Mass Communication/Graphic Design and Youth Ministry Hometown: Lansing, MI/Southgate, MI Media: More Powerful Than You Realize In the past 50 years, the influence of media has grown exponentially with the advance of technology. Advertisements in the media sell us more than just the product or the service we see. They show us what we are missing from our lives, and they attempt to sell us lifestyles without us even realizing it. Children, especially young girls, are exposed to society’s distorted idea of what femininity is and should be. Women are expected to uphold an unrealistic standard of beauty, sexuality and perfection, even at the expense of physical and psychological well-being. In the last few decades, the media has also created gender roles for our society. Television shows, more than any form of media, have men appear as unintelligent and incapable of completing simple tasks while women are portrayed merely as objects of a man’s affection. This generation needs to be challenged to think critically about how media is influencing our society’s views on beauty, gender roles and violence while it simultaneously influences our thinking in regards to the importance of products in our daily lives. Media will always have influence, but it doesn’t have to control society. The media can be good, but we must educate ourselves so that we might make wise and healthy decisions. Mentor: Professor Lora Hutson Rachel Grant Major: Secondary English Education Hometown: Oswego, NY “Reconciling Space and Time” Life is a journey; it’s raw, and it’s emotional, a roller coaster of ups and downs, of pleasant and unpleasant moments, of accomplishments and regrets. “Reconciling Space and Time” documents the journey of a young woman as she celebrates the blessings and tribulations of life and reconciles her past with the present through a seven-week missionary internship in Eastern Africa. This work is a composition of six movements, each shaping a piece of her story. Mentor: Professor Zac Watson Reginald Harvel Major: Psychology Hometown: Detroit, MI Assessing the Impact and Understanding of Communication through Computer Assisted, Face-to-Face, and Non-verbal Mediums This study assesses interpretation of information using verbal, non-verbal, and computer mediated communication. Employing a cross-cultural simulator game, male and female communication effectiveness were examined and analyzed. The study confirms that men are more likely to favor computermediated communication and women are more likely to favor verbal and non-verbal communication. Mentor: Dr. Robyn Siegel-Hinson Kristen Hodge Major: Psychology Hometown: Auburn Hills, MI Multi-tasking: The Influence of Texting in the Classroom The effectiveness of multitasking is a common debate among psychologists. In the current study, the researcher evaluated the effects texting has on students’ ability to recall information within a classroom setting. Participants consisted of 53 students who attend Rochester College, ages 18-53. Subjects were split into three groups and were instructed either to listen, text, or complete a number search during a lecture. The findings indicate that texting is not as great of a distracter as the researcher hypothesized; however, a trend occurred which showed that the control group scored higher on the subsequent quiz than the number search group, and the number search group scored higher on the quiz than the texting group. This research suggests the negative influence divided attention has on the classroom experience. Mentor: Dr. Robyn Siegel-Hinson
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John Jones Major: Psychology Hometown: Ortonville, MI Motivation and Its Effects on Student Academic Performance How we work and how vigorously we push ourselves to reach our goals largely depends on our motivation. The focus of this study is to assess the role of motivation in our daily tasks. More specifically, how does motivation affect adolescent performance in classroom activities? A lack of motivation can lead to a lack of effort, lower grades, and a decline in students’ potential to learn new information. The teacher is very much involved in the amount of motivation in the classroom and could be the key to the students’ levels of motivation. In the present study, 146 high school students, grades 9 to 12, were divided into three groups consisting of two treatment groups and one control group. The variable manipulated between the groups was motivation. Group 1 was a motivated group, group 2 was an unmotivated group, and group 3 was a group that was neither motivated nor unmotivated. Mentor: Dr. Robyn Siegel-Hinson Genesis Johnson Major: Christian Ministry Hometown: Rochester, MI The Death of Christ: An Act of God or the Plot of a Malicious Empire? In the book The Nonviolent Atonement, theologian J. Denny Weaver explores the essence of the death of Jesus Christ. His theme is that Christ’s death was not a predestined act of God to make atonement for humanity’s sins. Instead, Weaver uses numerous Old and New Testament scriptures to assert that Jesus’ death was an unnecessary event instigated by an evil empire. This violent, spiritual entity is the same kingdom which still holds humanity in captivity to sin. Christ, according to Weaver, was sent by God to nonviolently reconcile humanity to the Father. Peace and love were at the core of this godly kingdom, making it a threat to the aggressive empire of Satan. Consequently, Satan’s kingdom, composed of murderous Roman officials, wayward Jewish leaders, and a furious mob of human spectators, initiated Jesus’ crucifixion as a last resort to halt the nonviolent plan of God to redeem humankind. Weaver posits that the crucifixion was an unnecessary occurrence, yet not irredeemable because the true nature of salvation lies within Jesus’ resurrection, not his death. Until his death, Jesus nonviolently lived out his peaceful purpose and message. Eventually, he peacefully overcame death and its empire by rising from the grave, thereby giving the rest of humanity hope in a kingdom free from death’s oppression. Mentor: Dr. Craig Bowman Darius Kellar Major: Mass Communication/Graphic Design Hometown: Pontiac, MI Manipulated Photos in the Media In our world today, people are vulnerable to the use of manipulated and altered photographs. The media uses Adobe Photoshop to sell their products or to grasp our attention. This presentation will not only increase awareness of photo tampering, but it will give a clear understanding of what photo editing and manipulation are and how the use of photoshop in the media is creating unrealistic pictures that affect society and lead to controversy. Mentor: Professor Lora Hutson
Lauren Krellwitz Major: Mass Communication/Broadcasting Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI Public Eye vs. Private Eye: The Blurred Lines of a Celebrity’s Right to Privacy This presentation deals with privacy and the paparazzi by exploring the views of both the job of the paparazzi and the celebrities that deal with being photographed on a daily basis. While looking at both ends of the spectrum, current and ancient ethical philosophies will be brought into play. This study examines whether celebrities have the same right to privacy as everyday American citizens do even though they are considered public figures and whether the paparazzi have too much freedom. The ethics of different wellknown paparazzi cases will be discussed and debated. The overall goal of this presentation is to allow the audience to think and decide ethically about whether the paparazzi cross the line into invasion of privacy or if they are just doing what they are paid to do. Mentor: Professor Lora Hutson Timothy Langer Major: Interdisciplinary Studies: Science and History Hometown: Warren, MI Science and the State: How Government Science Policies Influence the Advancement of Science This presentation examines the influence of government policies on science and briefly traces the history of government science policy by investigating the policies of various presidential administrations and their policies’ effects on scientific advancement by measuring innovation through both the utility and quantity of innovations produced under various administrations. This study also seeks to trace themes and draw conclusions about the nature of government influence on science. Mentor: Dr. David Brackney Kayce McClure Major: Mass Communication/Broadcasting Hometown: Flint, MI Are the Kids All Right? The Exploitation of Media Youth Articles abound about how the media can affect our children, but what about the children who are the media? Child stars, such as Lindsey Lohan, Macaulay Culkin and Dakota Fanning, have covered our magazines, filled our television displays, and lit up the big screen. They are everywhere and in everything, as both entertainment and news, but should they be? These children are under an extreme amount of pressure and are sometimes exposed in ways that infringe upon their innocence. There is a simple solution to this problem: We have to consider the child first, not the actor and not the money. Mentor: Professor Lora Hutson Nicholas McDonald and Andrew Muma Major: Mass Communication/Public Relations, Mass Communication/Broadcasting Hometown: Goodrich, MI/Rochester Hills, MI Perception Matters: Media Coverage of Criminal Conduct With regards to criminal activities, the importance of the lawyers, witnesses and judges is widely recognized. Often overlooked, however, is the vital role played by the media. Working as the public informer in major cases, the media can have a massive impact on multiple elements within each case. These elements include, but are not limited to, the outcome of the case, the public perception of the defendant, and the public perception of the victim. In order to minimize the impact of media presence, certain ethical issues and protocols must be observed by all respectable members of the media. This presentation discusses several of these issues by dissecting media coverage in a number of high profile cases including the Jerry Sandusky scandal, the Casey Anthony trial and the Kwame Kilpatrick scandal. Mentor: Professor Lora Hutson
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Stephany Morgan Majors: Psychology and Pre-Nursing Hometown: Memphis, TN The Emotional Body: Correlations Between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Psychosomatic Ailments This study focuses on the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the seven emotions, and their correlation to psychosomatic disorders. Previous studies have examined the effects of anxiety and stress and how they correlate to physical ailments. This study has taken that topic and narrowed it, focusing on the TCM theory that specific emotions are embodied in particular organs. Anxiety and grief and their embodiment in the lungs were examined. This study investigated asthma and its possible links to these two emotions, as taught in TCM. It was hypothesized that addressing the emotions of anxiety and grief and facilitating coping would significantly lower asthma symptoms. The connection between these emotions and asthma was assessed by observing reactions in two asthmatic test groups (intervention and non-intervention) and a non-asthmatic control group. Participants took part in a series of personal interviews, completed a grief scale and an anxiety scale, and were taught selfadministered coping mechanisms (positive affirmations and journaling exercises). Interesting positive correlations were found. Mentor: Dr. Robyn Siegel-Hinson Tiara Morgan Major: Youth and Family Ministry Hometown: Detroit, MI God of All Comfort This presentation is a sermon based on 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, focusing on the central theme, “the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort others who are afflicted.� Paul was having many problems with the Corinthian church, which had allowed other teachers to come in, take his place, and speak false words. These false teachers were self-involved and were not concerned with the poor. Paul loved the Corinthian Church despite all its wrongs. He even suffered on account of them and the political rulers who were opposing him in his efforts to bring the Corinthians the Gospel. This is a prime example of how our suffering for Christ can have deep, redemptive meaning. When we suffer, it is for the purpose of comforting others as God comforts us. God is the ultimate comforter, and the body of Christ ought to follow that example and comfort our brothers and sisters, just as God and his mercy comfort us. Mentor: Dr. Craig Bowman Randee Rowell Major: Elementary Mathematics Education Hometown: Highland, MI Mathematics Education for the Visually Impaired Visually impaired individuals’ cognitive abilities do not differ from their sighted peers. However, their opportunity to receive a solid mathematics education is not equitable with that of their peers. This results in a lowered level of mathematics achievement for individuals with this impairment. As a way to work towards improving mathematics education for the visually impaired, educators must look first at the problem and begin to understand the struggles that face these students. With a strong knowledge of the problem, a variety of approaches to overcome the difficulties may be considered. An increased attention to mathematics education for the visually impaired will improve mathematics education for all students as teachers become well versed in differentiation. Mentor: Dr. David Brackney
Rachel Sorensen Major: Health Sciences Hometown: Saline, Michigan Analysis of Glutamine Synthetase Proteins during Soybean Seed Development Soybeans are a very important crop in today’s world. They are used to regenerate soil and are found in many different food items. They are also the second most valuable export from the United States. For these reasons, Jan Miernyk and Mark Johnston of the USDA/ARS Plant Genetics Research Group at the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, and Ms. Sorensen are applying a systems approach to understand soybean development. Transcriptome analysis revealed a large increase in the transcripts of two of the six soybean glutamine synthetase (GS) genes, which are important enzymes in nitrogen metabolism. Therefore, in analyzing GS proteins as a function of seed development, isoelectric focusing (IEF) and FPLC were used, as well as exploring GS protein and enzyme activity in mature dry seeds. While GS proteins are present at each stage in seed development, most diminish, and one GS isozyme peaks late in seed development and remains active in mature dry seeds. We speculate that the accumulation of GS in late stages of seed development prepares the seed for rapid nitrogen redistribution in seed germination. This speculation is why the identification of the GS proteins in late seed development is a goal of our research. Mentor: Dr. Michael Muhitch Clay Stanton Major: Biblical Studies Hometown: Washington, MI Eschatology: The “Telos” of God’s Story This presentation discusses eschatology through the views of theologian Stanley Grenz, who takes a view different from the common sensationalist eschatology espoused by popular Bible teachers today. Eschatology, Grenz contends, goes beyond simply studying what will happen in the last days of this age. The focus of Grenz’s eschatology is the telos of God’s grand plan, encompassing not only the telos of each individual, but also the telos of history and the telos of creation. Ultimately, the telos of God’s story is for his people to be in perfect relationship with each other, with him, and with creation. Understanding these things, Grenz says, should give us insight into not only the future but also the present, particularly in understanding how God is working in history today and how the telos he has planned is being accomplished even now. Understanding the telos of God’s story should also teach us how to live in light of his purpose and the end to which he is ultimately bringing all things. Mentors: Dr. Craig Bowman, Professor Adam Hill, Dr. Keith Huey Michael Stiner Major: Christian Ministry Hometown: Shelby Township, MI Seeker Churches: Can This Really Be Church? Leaders of the church want to make sure that they are reaching out to people. Is there a line, however, not to be crossed as to how far churches should go? This is a question some churches and pastors have been asking earnestly in American culture over the last two decades. Some believe that seeker churches, or seeker elements within worship services, are vital ways to reach people of our 21st century postmodern culture. Whether it is drama, songs heard on the radio, or sermons that are pertinent, lively, and easy to understand, seeker-friendly churches using both traditional and innovative approaches have been successful in attracting and retaining new members, frequently people who were resistant to or alienated by traditional churches. Some pastors and churches of more mainstream denominations, though, are questioning these “seeker” driven leaders and churches. Is there a problem with seeker friendly churches and worship elements? Are pastors of seeker churches compromising the Gospel to reach outsiders? These are some of the questions to be discussed in this presentation. Mentor: Dr. Craig Bowman
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academic symposium 2012
Gary Turner Major: Interdisciplinary Studies: History/Mathematics Hometown: Auburn Hills, MI Sir Isaac Newton: Evolutionary or Revolutionary? No mathematician has been more influential to both mathematics and history than Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727). By examining the achievements of a few notable mathematicians throughout history, as well as Newton’s own context, achievements, and influence, I intend to show that what Newton accomplished in his lifetime was not just the next step in the evolution of mathematical thought—he was indeed a revolutionary genius. Mentor: Dr. David Greer Mark Turner Major: Biblical Studies Hometown: Oxford, MI The Origin, Meaning, and Use of “Son of Man” Language in Mark All four gospels are littered with the phrase “the Son of Man.” It appears fourteen times in the Gospel of Mark alone. Yet, the phrase is still something of an enigma to anyone studying the New Testament. However, the reasons for this are fairly obvious. First, with two exceptions, the “Son of Man” is mentioned in the New Testament only by Jesus, and only one time is the idiom used anywhere outside of the gospel accounts. Also, the fact that Paul does not make any reference to the “Son of Man” at all is exceedingly peculiar, especially if this phrase was part of any early church tradition. Additionally, serious language issues are involved in the Greek construction of the “Son of Man.” Making sense of how the same phrase worked and functioned in Hebrew and Aramaic is also necessary if we are to assume that an Old Testament connection is being made with Jesus as “the Son of Man.” The attempt made here, then, is to answer these questions well enough that a generalized understanding of the background and potential function(s) of the “Son of Man” phrase can be developed. This, in turn, will be applied to the Gospel of Mark specifically, illuminating what the gospel writer was conveying through its use. Mentor: Dr. Craig Bowman Lenore Waites Major: Psychology Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI Efficacy of a Work Based Treatment to Reduce Trauma in Mice Certain experiences have been shown to buffer humans and animals against experiencing learned helplessness when exposed to chronic or inescapable stress. One method of buffering demonstrated in a rat model is to require the rat to complete work tasks in order to receive food and treats (work based treatment). The present study seeks to explore the efficacy of utilizing similar experiences post-stress in order to relieve stress behaviors in mice. Exposure to work based treatment was shown to reduce stress symptoms in mice at a significantly faster rate than seen in non-work based treated mice. When treated, stressed mice returned to activity levels and weights seen in unhealthy, unstressed mice. If this animal model is predictive of human interactions, the treatment explored in this study could suggest a new means of recovery for humans exposed to traumatic stress. Mentor: Dr. Robyn Siegel-Hinson Porschia Williams/Ashley Kemp-Watkins Major: Mass Communication/Broadcasting, Mass Communication/Graphic Design Hometown: Clinton Township, MI/Auburn Hills, MI Future Consumers BEWARE: The Effects of Advertising on Children and Adolescents in Our Society This study examines advertising and commercials that are geared toward children and adolescents. We look at marketing techniques, why marketing companies target children and adolescents, and how television and internet advertisements are used to influence future consumers. Advertisements not only affect the spending habits of parents, but they also will soon affect the spending habits of children if they are not knowledgeable. If parents do not communicate with their children about advertising, then children will have misconceptions about what is real on television and the internet. Mentor: Professor Lora Hutson
Executive Simulations/Business Strategy and Policy The student groups will be presenting their strategic analysis of real corporations. Each group assumes the role of consultants hired by the Board of Directors of its corporation to present a strategic plan to the board. The groups use information learned from the business core courses taken while at Rochester College. Each student in the group presents a portion of the analysis completed during this course. Each group will also answer questions from a panel of business professionals. The students in this class have worked diligently on their corporations to present strategic alternatives to their boards and eventually to their management. Mentor: Dr. Joseph Reddick
Calloway Golf Caleb Tift Major: Sports Management Hometown: Auburn Hills, MI Alex Hacias Major: Business Administration Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI Aaron Distelrath Major: Accounting Hometown: St. Clair, MI Not Pictured: Falon Ball Major: Accounting Hometown: Davisburg, MI Jenelle Peckham Major: Accounting Hometown: Clarkston, MI
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academic symposium 2012
Harley Davidson Rick Doran Major: Human Resource Management Hometown: Clinton Township, MI Marvin Stokes Major: Accounting Hometown: Banning, CA Justin Mainero Major: Business Management Hometown: Troy, MI Anthony Laster Major: Business Administration/ Marketing Management Hometown: Dryden, MI Liz Stockwell Major: Sports Management Hometown: Moline, IL
Nike Chelsea Villeme Major: Interdisciplinary Studies Marketing/Management Hometown: Armada, MI Paige Henley Major: Business Management/ Human Resources Hometown: Novi, MI Grant Feder Major: Business Administration Hometown: Birmingham, MI Missy Roy Major: Sports Management Hometown: Milford, MI Pia Tocco Major: Business Management Hometown: Macomb, MI
Starbucks Brian Matlock Major: Accounting Hometown: Southfield, MI Marcus Long Major: Sports Management Hometown: Lake Orion, MI Not Pictured: Shane Averitt Major: Sports Management Hometown: Armada, MI Jonathan Nelson Major: Sports Management Hometown: Akron, OH
Walt Disney Company Shannon Biernat Major: Business Management Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI Tom Ngobi Major: Business Management Hometown: Jinga, Uganda Kyle Hamm Major: Business Administration/ Human Resources Hometown: Clawson, MI Stephen Carowick Major: Human Resources Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI
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academic symposium 2012
Student Teach ing Supervised by Caye Randolph, M.A.T., Coordinator of Student Teaching Deanna Doede Major: Secondary Social Studies Education Hometown: Bay City, MI Student teaching 10th grade U.S. History and 11th grade U.S. Government | Spring 2012 Utica High School, Utica Community School District Stephan Henning Major: Elementary Social Studies Education Hometown: Beloit, WI Student teaching 5th grade | Spring 2012 Brooklands Elementary, Rochester Community Schools Randee Rowell Major: Elementary Mathematics Education Hometown: Bangor, WI Student teaching 5th grade | Spring 2012 Hugger Elementary, Rochester Community Schools Kevin Briski Major: Secondary Social Studies Education Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI Student taught AP American Government & Politics and International Relations | Fall 2011 Stoney Creek High School, Rochester School District Lindsay Drysdale Major: Elementary Language Arts Education Hometown: Oxford, MI Student taught 2nd grade | Fall 2011 Carpenter Elementary, Lake Orion School District Miranda Hiter Major: Language Arts/Elementary Education Hometown: White Lake, MI Student taught kindergarten and first grade | Fall 2011 Burt Elementary, Waterford School District Krystal Gaboury Renton Major: Secondary Social Studies Education Hometown: Burton, MI Student taught 7th grade World Studies and 8th grade U.S. History | Fall 2011 West Middle School, Rochester Community Schools
Mass Commu nication Internsh ips Supervised by Professor Lora Hutson
Joshua Jones Major: Mass Communication/Broadcasting Hometown: Clare, MI Rochester Church of Christ | Video Intern | Summer 2011 Freaky Deaky movie | Production & Location Assistant | Summer 2011 Tanna Evans Major: Mass Communication/Public Relations Hometown: Hubbard, Ohio Golden String, a non-profit organization serving the mentally and physically disabled, Youngstown, Ohio PR Intern | Summer 2011 Lauren Krellwitz Major: Mass Communication/Broadcasting Hometown: Sterling Heights, Michigan WDIV-TV Channel 4, Detroit Newsroom Intern | Fall 2011 Adrian Schaffer II Major: Mass Communication/Broadcasting Hometown: Maywood, Illinois WGCI, Clear Channel Radio, Chicago Radio Intern | Fall 2011 Carlee Barackman Major: Mass Communication/Public Relations Hometown: Plymouth, MI Tanner Friedman Public Relations, Farmington Hills, MI PR Intern | Spring 2012 Darius Kellar Major: Mass Communication/Graphic Design Hometown: Pontiac, MI WDIV-TV Channel 4, Detroit Web Development Intern | Spring 2012 Kayce McClure Major: Mass Communication/Broadcasting Hometown: Flint, MI Office of Communication Services, Rochester College Video and Digital Communication Intern | Spring 2012 Andrew Muma Major: Mass Communication/Broadcasting Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI WDIV-TV Channel 4, Detroit Newsroom Intern | Spring 2012
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academic symposium 2012
Business Internsh ips Mentored by Professor Larry Norman, M.B.A Robert Ekrem Major: Business Management Hometown: Oslo, Norway Winfire Companies | Intern As an intern, Robert preformed an analysis of 2011 and budgeted for 2012. He was also in charge of leasing out and building up the marina. Anthony Laster Major: Business Administration/Marketing Management Hometown: Dryden, MI Utley Brothers | Marketing Assistant/Sales Representative Anthony was utilized as an extension of the sales/marketing team to represent the company to both new and existing customers. He also assisted Utley Brothers in the kickoff of a sales campaign for a new product offering. Tom Ngobi Major: Business Management Hometown: Jinja, Uganda Kibo Group International | Organizational Analyst Kibo is a nonprofit organization with operations in East Africa, particularly in Uganda. Tom worked as an Organizational Analyst, focusing on needs assessment and future planning for the different projects of Kibo Group International, such as the Mvule Tree Project, Water Source, Women’s Empowerment, and The Source Café. Tom developed a needs assessment for all the projects, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. He also developed future plans and projects as well as future assessment procedures and plans. Liz Stockwell Major: Sports Management Hometown: Moline, IL Rochester College Women’s Basketball Team | Student Assistant Liz was responsible for assisting the coaches, both on and off the court. Some of her tasks included working with the coaches to scout potential players and acquiring game films of opposing teams.
Social Work and Psych ology Practicums Mentored by Professor Sarah Reddick, M.S.W. Megan Chambers Major: Behavioral Science/Social Work Hometown: South Lyon, MI The Salvation Army Royal Oak Corps | Spring 2012 Clients of the Royal Oak Corps of the Salvation Army are low-income families who do not qualify for governmental aid programs. Megan worked with clients who needed such services as clothing and food; assistance with rent and utilities; referrals to appropriate community services; and short-term counseling. Julie Cory Major: Behavioral Science/Social Work Hometown: Tecumseh, MI Bethany Christian Services | Spring 2012 At Bethany Christian Services, Julie served as an adoption specialist assistant. She worked with three different sets of clients: wards of the state (infants through 17-year-olds), foster care parents, and prospective adoptive parents. Erica Hansen Major: Behavioral Science/Social Work Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI Macomb Homeless Coalition and Abigayle Ministries | Spring 2012 At Macomb Homeless Coalition, Erica performed intake and referral services for clients who were homeless, soon-to-be homeless, or eligible for funding from the coalition. At Abigayle Ministries, Erica provided infant parenting classes and counseling for new mothers who were in residential care or who had recently moved from residential care to independent living. Kristin Hodge Major: Psychology Hometown: Auburn Hills, MI Bethany Christian Services | Spring 2012 At Bethany Christian Services, Kristen worked as an adoption specialist assistant. Her clients were infants through 17-year-olds who are wards of the state, foster care parents, and prospective adoptive parents.
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academic symposium 2012
John Jones Major: Psychology Hometown: Ortonville, MI South Oakland Shelter (SOS) | Summer 2011 Clients of South Oakland Shelter are homeless people from Oakland County. John’s responsibilities included new client intake assessments, client advocacy, case management assistance, client file management, and nightly check-in management. Erika Strickland Major: Behavioral Science/Social Work Hometown: Detroit, MI Spaulding for Children | Fall 2011 Clients of Spaulding for Children are children in foster care, age birth through 17 years old. Erika conducted home visits to the foster parents and assisted in court presentations regarding the ongoing legal placement of the children. Matthew Upshur Major: Behavioral Science/Social Work Hometown: Warren, MI McKinley Elementary, Van Dyke Public School District | Fall 2011 Matthew assisted the social worker at McKinley Elementary with providing counseling services to children identified for special education due to social, emotional, or physical disabilities. Lenore Waites Major: Psychology Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI The Sanctuary and Youth Outreach Center of Common Ground | Summer 2011 Lenore’s main duty at The Sanctuary was to interact with the young people in residence. She was responsible for observing and logging client behavior, running group therapy sessions, chaperoning group trips, helping clients cook meals, and mentoring.
Faculty Symposiums The Academic Symposium is an annual event that takes place each April in which students make presentations based on their areas of research and interest. It is a significant part of Rochester College’s academic calendar. But the Academic Symposium is not limited to the events in April and is not limited to student presentations. For the last several years, a Faculty Symposium Series has taken place throughout the year in which various faculty members also make presentations based on their areas of current interest and research. During the 2011-12 academic year, the Faculty Symposium Series has also been integrated with a remarkable international travel opportunity. During the month of March, eight Rochester College students, ten members of the faculty and administration, and two members of the Board of Trustees traveled together to Turkey where they spent a week touring the country and collaborating with leaders of Turkish businesses, universities, hospitals, and media outlets. Turkey is a fascinating country that has witnessed some of the most significant moments in both Christian and Islamic history. Because of this shared experience, the Faculty Symposium Series provided an opportunity for faculty members from different disciplines to present material on areas of expertise that related in some way to the trip. Below is a list of the presentations that were made this year: Dr. John Barton “An American Christian Perspective on Fethullah Gulen and the Role of the ‘Gulen Movement’ in Global Islam” Presented on Oct. 19, 2011
Dr. Keith Huey “Pivotal Shifts in Early Christianity in Turkey” Presented on Nov. 16, 2011
Dr. Greg Stevenson “The Gods, the Emperor, and You: Societal Pressure in Early Christianity” Presented on Jan. 18, 2012
Professor Lora Hutson “An Examination of Press Freedom: United States. The World. Turkey.” Presented on March 21, 2012
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Th e Distinguish ed Faculty Award This award honors faculty who have consistently demonstrated outstanding achievements in the areas of scholarly research and/or creative endeavors, teaching and mentoring of students, service, and a variety of other activities which have brought distinction to themselves and to Rochester College. The faculty at the college submit nominations for colleagues who reflect excellence in these areas, and then the Academic Cabinet votes to select the recipient. The award is given annually and is accompanied by a professional development stipend.
2010 Dr. Robyn Siegel-Hinson A member of the psychology department, Dr. Siegel-Hinson was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award for the outstanding work she has done at Rochester College and within the field of psychology beyond our campus. Specifically, Dr. Siegel-Hinson’s mentoring of psychology majors who are preparing to make formal presentations at state and regional conferences has enabled young minds to make significant contributions to the field of psychology.
2011 Dr. Michael Muhitch A member of the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and a professor of chemistry, Dr. Michael Muhitch was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award for his tireless work to teach and train students to develop and implement innovative lab experiments and techniques; create opportunities for students to participate in authentic research initiatives; and for the ground-breaking research he has done in collaboration with the University of Missouri which uses a “systems biology� approach to explore seed development in soybeans.
Past Symposium Speakers 2011 Dr. Thomas Maridada Superintendent of Pontiac School District
2010 Dr. Josephine Johnson Michigan Psychological Association’s 2009 Distinguished Psychologist of the Year
2009 Dr. Anthony Leggett Winner of the 2003 Nobel Prize in Physics
2008 Emory King National news correspondent and former WDIV-TV news anchor
2007 Dr. Rubel Shelly Professor, minister and author
2006 Dr. Ted McAllister Associate professor of public policy, Pepperdine University
2005 Dr. Lora Schwab President and CEO of i3 Statprobe
2004 Dr. Joyce Todd Chief of the Appeals Division of the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
Ch allenging Acad em ics. Ch ristia n Commu nity.