Univ of Dayton Stander Symposium, 2017 Abstract Book by University of Dayton, Stander Symposium

LETTER FROM THE CO-CHAIRS

Letter from the Co-Chairs We are delighted to officially welcome you to the annual Brother Joseph W. Stander Symposium. The Stander Symposium showcases individual and collaborative undergraduate and graduate research, creative endeavors, and academic achievements. Above all, the Symposium and your participation showcase our shared values as members of the University of Dayton community. This is the 28th year of the Symposium, honoring the late Bro. Joseph W. Stander, S.M., Professor of Mathematics and Provost (1974–1989). This University-wide celebration of academic excellence exemplifies the Marianist tradition of learning in community. The Symposium includes poster sessions, hands-on activities, performances, art exhibits, oral presentations and highlights of capstone course work. The achievements and collaborations on display throughout the Stander Symposium reflect the continuing commitment of students and faculty to this great tradition. The Stander Symposium would not exist without an extraordinary effort from across the campus community – students, faculty and staff. On behalf of the Stander Symposium program committee, we thank you for your support and participation. Sincerely,

Shannon Driskell, Ph.D. Co-Chair, Stander Symposium Professor, College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics

Joel Whitaker Co-Chair, Stander Symposium Professor, College of Arts and Sciences: Art and Design

ABOUT THE STANDER SYMPOSIUM

Honoring the late Brother Joseph W. Stander, S.M., Professor of Mathematics and Provost (1974-1989), the Stander Symposium celebrates academic excellence, rich collaborations and many forms of intellectual, artistic, and spiritual growth. The career of Brother Joe embodied the spirit of collaboration and the Stander Symposium stands as a continuing tribute to him and all who carry on the Marianist tradition of education through community.

Brother Joseph W. Stander, S.M. Professor of Mathematics Provost (1974–1989)

A distinctive spirit permeates student research at the University of Dayton. The faculty and students of the University are determined that “a community of learners” is not a cliche but a realistic goal. Thus the University fosters an atmosphere that nurtures productive collaboration and a shared search for excellence in learning and in research. The Stander Symposium is a day-anda-half long event, and constitutes the University of Dayton’s principal annual celebration of academic excellence. The Symposium features a keynote speaker, poster sessions, hands-on activities, performances, exhibits, oral presentations and highlights of capstone course work. All students at the university engaging in research, creative endeavors, and other forms of innovative thinking are encouraged to participate in this student research symposium. Student attendees are key members of a critically reflective audience for their peers. Faculty members serve as mentors and leaders for many of these projects and are the driving force behind scholarship in their fields. The efforts of students, faculty, and staff are critical to making this event successful year after year.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Brother Joseph W. Stander Symposium Program Committee thanks the students, faculty, and staff for their many contributions and universitywide collaboration in the planning of this yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; symposium. With over 1,700 presenters, performers, artists, and faculty mentors participating, the Stander Symposium is a lasting tribute to Brother Joseph Stander and to the Marianist principles of higher education. For generous support, we specifically owe gratitude to the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, the Offices of the Deans in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Health Sciences, School of Engineering, Graduate Academic Affairs, and University Libraries. We extend this gratitude to the Ryan C. Harris Learning Teaching Center, the University Honors Program, Student Development, and the Student Government Association. In addition to the units represented by the Program Committee membership, the Committee specially acknowledges the essential and considerable planning and staff assistance received from Kennedy Union, Roesch Library, Department of Recreational Sports, Marianist Hall Learning Space, KU Box Office, Department of Art and Design, Keck Lab, and University of Dayton Information Technology (UDit). Finally, very special thanks are due to students Jacqueline Meares and Caitlin Schneider for their efforts in developing and creating this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visual design.

COMMITTEE RECOGNITION

Co-Chairs

Shannon Driskell, Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Joel Whitaker, Arts and Sciences, Art and Design

Program Committee

Mateo Chavez, Undergraduate Student, School of Business Administration Diane Helmick, Graduate Academic Affairs Janet Herrelko, School of Education and Health Sciences Judith Huacuja, Arts and Sciences, Art and Design Jack Kanet, School of Business Administration Brian LaDuca, Institute for Applied Creativity for Transformation at ArtStreet Amy Lopez-Matthews, Center for Student Involvement Grant Neeley, Arts and Sciences, Political Science Margie Pinnell, School of Engineering Maggie Schaller, Undergraduate Student, Human Rights and Political Science Stephanie Shreffler, University Libraries Randy Sparks, School of Business Administration

Celebration of the Arts Committee

Phyllis Bergiel, College of Arts and Sciences, Dean’s Office Sharon Davis Gratto, Chair, Department of Music Michelle Hayford, Director, Theatre Program Judith Huacuja, Chair, Department of Visual Arts Danielle Poe, College of Arts and Sciences, Dean’s Office Patrick Reynold, Department of Music

Graphic Design

Jacqueline Meares, Graphic Design, Department of Art and Design ‘17

Celebration of the Arts Intern Caroline Goodill

Stander Coordinator Andrea Meyer Wade

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Mar 6 | STANDER SYMPOSIUM IN CHINA 7:50 A.M.–6 P.M. | China Institute, Suzhou Industrial Park

Apr 4 | CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS Schuster Performing Arts Center 6:30 P.M. | Art Exhibits in the Wintergarden 8:00 P.M. | Performance in the Mead Theatre The University of Dayton’s student performing arts groups in music, dance and theatre take the Schuster Center stage for an evening to showcase their talents and recognize the installation of our new President, Dr. Eric Spina. Student artwork will be on display in the Schuster Wintergarden before and after the performance. Tickets are free but required. Tickets for UD students, faculty and staff are available at the Kennedy Union Box Office with a valid University ID. Tickets for the general public are available by calling Ticket Center Stage at 937-2283630 or online at ticketcenterstage.com.

Apr 5 | DAY AT THE STANDER: A Day of Student Research, Creativity and Discovery. 8 P.M.–5 P.M. | UD Campus Locations Stander Symposium is the University of Dayton’s annual showcase of individual and collaborative undergraduate and graduate research, creative endeavors, and academic achievements. Honoring the late Bro. Joseph W. Stander, S.M., Professor of Mathematics and Provost (1974–1989), the Stander Symposium stands as an ongoing tribute to him and all who carry on the Marianist tradition of education through community. It is a day off from regularly scheduled courses and meetings; instead inviting the whole University to engage in conversation and learning outside of the classroom.

Free Breakfast 8–9:30 A.M. | RecPlex, Main Gym

Poster Sessions RecPlex, Main Gym

9–10:15 A.M. | Session I 10:45 A.M.–12:00 P.M. | Session II

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

National Issues Forum on Climate Choices Roesch Library, first floor Knowledge Hub 10:15 A.M.–12 P.M. | Morning Session 1 P.M.–2:45 P.M. | Afternoon Session

Porch projects, oral presentations, panel discussions, performances, and visual arts displays 8 A.M.–5 P.M. | Various Campus Locations Full schedule via Guidebook mobile app and at stander.udayton.edu.

Stander Symposium closing reception & Annual Horvath Awards presentation 5–7 P.M. | Radial Gallery, Fitz Hall

Apr 6 | STANDER KEYNOTE ADDRESS: An Evening with Lisa Randall, Ph.D. Co-sponsored by the University of Dayton Speaker Series. 7 P.M. | Kennedy Union ballroom Lisa Randall is a professor at Harvard University, where she studies theoretical particle physics and cosmology, currently focusing on dark matter. Randall is the author of Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs, the New York Times notable books Warped Passages (2005) and Knocking on Heaven’s Door (2011), and the e-book Higgs Discovery: The Power of Empty Space. She also wrote a libretto for Hypermusic Prologue: A Projective Opera in Seven Planes and co-curated the art exhibit Measure for Measure for the Los Angeles Arts Association. Randall received the 2012 Andrew Gemant Award from the American Institute of Physics for significant contributions to the cultural, artistic, or humanistic dimension of physics. No tickets required. Parking is available in B and C lots only. Parking in any other lot requires a permit.

Stander Symposium in China China Institute, Suzhou Industrial Park

STANDER SYMPOSIUM IN CHINA

STANDER SYMPOSIUM IN CHINA March 6, 2017 The first Stander Symposium in China occurred on March 6, 2017 at the China Institute. JABIL GREEN POINT WUXI PLANT TOUR 7:50 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Since 2015, the School of Business Administration in conjunction with the China Institute have provided students with the opportunity to participate in a consulting project to come up with innovative solutions for real-world problems faced by Fortune 500 companies, such as Ford Motor Company and GE Aviation. The 2017 consulting project client is Jabil Circuit and they have asked our students to define strategies to help the company prepare for a new era of mass customization. Winning teams are awarded up to $3,500 for their efforts.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: KEITH SINRAM, CROWN EQUIPMENT 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Over lunch, Keith Sinram, General Manager of Crown Equipment, Suzhou, will share his experiences, highlights and challenges living and working as an expat in Suzhou.

SHOWCASE OF STUDENT WORKS 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. INB 302 Survey of International Business and MGT 300/301 Organizational Behavior poster presentations on experiential learning, corporate visits and American culture Students will present their learning objectives for their experiential learning projects for Crown Equipment, Emerson Climate Technologies, Jabil Green Point and Stanley Black and Decker, their personal experiences on corporate visits in Suzhou, and concepts learned about American culture. Students will showcase their posters in groups of six in three 20-minute sessions.

2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. EGR 203 Electrical and Electronic Circuits demonstration During this session students will engage in a demonstration of how to build a simple circuit using a sine signal to drive a luminous diode. We can observe the diode blinking, whereby the luminance and frequency of the diode blinking is controlled by the sine signal.

STANDER SYMPOSIUM IN CHINA

SHOWCASE OF STUDENT WORKS 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. SSC 200 Social Science Integrated presentations on memorial and monument proposals During this session, students will share their memorial or monument proposals through presentations, models and printed materials. Students will showcase their proposals in groups of five in three 10-minute sessions.

3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. HST 351 American Gender and Women’s History presentation on Religion and Resistance to Patriarchy in Colonial Latin America This set of presentations explore the intersection of patriarchy, gender and religion in colonial Latin America by discussing how a few women escaped male domination and found empowerment through convent life, cross-dressing, and witchcraft. HST 371 Labor and Working Class History presentations on The “Coolie Trade” in Nineteenth-Century Latin America This set of presentations discuss the history of the “coolie trade” involving indentured laborers brought from China to Latin America in the nineteenth century, with a focus on Cuba and Peru.

TAOHUAWU WOODBLOCK PRINTING 3:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Traditional Suzhou style Taohuawu woodblock printing can be traced back to over 400 years ago to the craft of block engraving of the Song Dynasty. Making a woodblock print comprises of three processes— drawing, engraving and printing. The technique of multiple printing, featuring one block for each color is employed to produce prints in multiple colors. During this session, students will have the opportunity to create their own woodblock prints.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Organized by Department/ Start Time

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Dayton Athletic Department: Creative Services Project College of Arts and Sciences: Art and Design Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Kathryn A Hanrahan ADVISORS Jeffrey C Jones LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 During my role as the Athletic Department’s Creative Services Intern, I worked along side the Assistant Creative Director. I helped the Assistant Creative Director specifically with Graphic Design for Dayton’s Winter and Spring sports teams. I assisted with the creation of print and digital collateral utilizing InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. I helped creating marketing fliers, game programs, and game day video board graphics. I also helped design for social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This work exhibits what I accomplished the past several months.

Social Innovation in Graphic Design

College of Arts and Sciences: Art and Design

Oral Presentation - Course Project, 201680 VAH 383 01 STUDENTS Lucy E Bratton, Hadley C Rodebeck ADVISORS Jayne Matlack Whitaker LOCATION, TIME Marianist Hall Learning Space 218, 1:00-1:20 Social innovation designers are dedicated to improving everyday life through global health and sustainable development, public policy and social entrepreneurship. Graphic designers have long been seen as those who support social innovation through the expert organization of useful data or the rebranding of a not-for-profit organization, but graphic designers are finding ways to take an even more proactive role as “makers” and “producers” of socially valuable products. Social innovation design is the creation and propagation of healthy, mutually beneficial relationships between humans, government, city, neighborhood and individual. Students enrolled in VAH 383, History of Graphic Design, were asked to research and present the work of a significant late twentieth-century graphic designer and the specific impact he or she has had on the industry. In doing so two students became captivated by the work of the late Tibor Kalman (1949-1999), a New York based designer dedicated to enlarging the parameters of design from service to cultural force. An early pioneer of social innovation, Kalman saw himself as a social activist for whom graphic design was a means of achieving two ends: good design and social responsibility. Good design, which he defined as “unexpected and untried,” added more interest, and was thus a benefit, to everyday life. Second, since graphic design is mass communication, Kalman believed it should be used to increase public awareness of a variety of social issues. Learning of his controversial advertisements focusing on AIDS, racism, refugees, violence, and warfare, these students began to formulate a sense of how they as designers can have a profound affect upon society. Through continued research and study, they have committed themselves to being good designer-citizens who, like Kalman, continue to think and design with a social conscience.

A Place of Passage: Graphic Design and the Transformation of Space Into Experience College of Arts and Sciences: Art and Design Oral Presentation - Course Project, 201710 VAD 490 P1

STUDENTS Megan M Bollheimer, Lucy E Bratton, Carly Christine Delois, John T Gruber, Zachary T Osborne, Emma E Pierpont ADVISORS John V Clarke, Misty K Thomas-Trout LOCATION, TIME St. Mary’s 113B, 2:00-2:40 The first floor of St. Mary’s Hall has recently been renovated, creating a place that now houses Student Services including Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Registration, the Registrar, and Veteran Services. This has become a space for all University students and thus a redesign is required to reflect this new holistic functionality.Our needs as a University demand change throughout time and the buildings, spaces and environments should reflect this positive adaptation. The students and faculty of the Design Practicum class in the Department of Art and Design will present their research, concept and design development toward creating a community-oriented environment for this unique space. Inspired by the Marianist charism and the students’ vision of the future—the spirit of this hallway will evoke the physical passage of individuals through time and serve as a metaphor to students’ educational, spiritual, and life journey’s.

Leftover Lunches: The Process of Lumen Printing College of Arts and Sciences: Art and Design Porch Project - Independent Research

STUDENTS Madisson T Baron-Galbavi ADVISORS Joel A Whitaker LOCATION, TIME 416 Kiefaber Street, 2:00-2:15 Baron-Galbavi is completing a major in Graphic Design and a minor in Photography. Over the last two years she has been making photographs using the lumen process. Lumen printing is a camera-less process for making photographs. The term “Lumen” is the projection of light radiating from one ominous source, i.e. sunlight, or UV light. This is particularly pertinent to this method of printing as it utilizes available daylight as opposed to controlled light (enlarger exposure light, or the rapid on/off light when creating

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES photograms) in order to print an image. The resultant photographs will vary due to exposure times, density of material, quality of light and, most importantly, the type and age of the paper. Lumen prints are photograms made without a camera or darkroom enlarger, a process first used by botanists such as Anna Atkins and William Fox Talbot in the early 1800s. While botanist’s captured plant species in order to study them away from the site found, my work is about the direct transmission of data from the subject to the photosensitive paper without the use of a camera or enlarger. The series is about the intensity of the marks made on photosensitive paper, an investigation of the organic material activated by light, and the colors that permit from the process.Leftover Lunches is a series of digital prints made from handmade negatives using a lumen print process. The Lumen prints are made from organic materials gathered from remnants of food going bad and scraps from meal preparation and consumption. Each month, onions and other found materials (parts of material, fruits, and vegetables) were gathered to make prints. As the seasons changed, so did these prints until each gathering of stuff became a narrative about both the habitual process and an abstraction of the seasonal yield.

Senior Fine Arts Capstone Project

College of Arts and Sciences: Art and Design Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Samantha M Alexander, Sarah Jane Berger, Sarah M Gray, Greta R Grum, Alexandra Nicole Morrissette, Elia E Wilson ADVISORS Michael Gary Marcinowski LOCATION, TIME Marianist Hall Learning Space Commons, 2:00-4:00 This Stander Symposium project is an in-depth presentation that encompasses the unique work of the graduating seniors receiving a Bachelor in Fine Art. This is the final summary and culmination of their senior Capstone thesis. Along with their final portfolio, the students involved in this presentation will analyze the journey of their individual thesis projects and body of work.

To Behold and Be Held

College of Arts and Sciences: Art and Design Oral Presentation - Independent Research

STUDENTS Peter G Evans ADVISORS Roger J Crum LOCATION, TIME Marianist Hall Learning Space 217, 2:40-3:00 Several years ago, a group of students and faculty collaborated to install a rain garden of native plants in the storm water catchment basin located between ArtStreet and the McGinnis Center. Rain gardens are prized for their ability to allow rain runoff to soak slowly into the soil rather than drain immediately to rivers. This means that far fewer pollutants enter or are transported within the watershed system. Native plants are valued for their natural adaption to a local environment and ecosystem. Unfortunately, at some point after the initial installation of the rain garden at UD, the young plants were mistaken for or considered as weeds and were removed, only to be replaced by the cattails that now conspicuously dominate the basin. This site remains an ideal location to redevelop a native rain garden, especially as sustainability efforts at the University of Dayton continue to gain popularity and importance. In addition to the desirability of reestablishing this rain garden, the South Student Neighborhood could be equally well served by the establishment of a space for students to reflect, ponder, pray, and be alone with God. It is undeniable that such a sacred space conducive to prayer and reflection is notably lacking in this section of campus. This paper and presentation will outline a possible design of a restored rain garden and contemplative space while establishing the justification for these additions in line with the Marianist charism that stands at the core of the University of Dayton and its mission to education the whole person in and through community.

Challenging the Postwar Narrative: The Art of Boris Lurie College of Arts and Sciences: Art and Design Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Kiersten S Remster ADVISORS Roger J Crum LOCATION, TIME Marianist Hall Learning Space 217, 3:00-3:20 Boris Lurie, a Holocaust survivor and an immigrant to the US in the 1950s, created pointedly provocative art recollective of his traumatic experiences in Europe during World War II. While Lurie was not alone in creating memory-driven art from his experiences, art historians have not included him in the standard postwar narrative of progressive art. Instead, he has been relegated to the position of an outsider artist. Comparing Lurie’s art to that of other, more recognized émigré artists who produced work in recollection of war-torn Europe, such as Max Beckmann and George Grosz, this thesis aims to expose a broader recollective vein in postwar art in America that at once draws Lurie more into the mainstream and shows his life and work as important antecedents to the art made decades later by another cohort of German artists whose themes of recollection of wartime trauma were at the center of their celebrated and progressive art.

One.Two.Ten: A Presentation of Senior Photography Capstone Projects College of Arts and Sciences: Art and Design Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES STUDENTS Katriana Peng Koon Teoh, Katie Timko, Leigh Elizabeth Vukov ADVISORS Glenna Jennings LOCATION, TIME Marianist Hall Learning Space Commons, 4:00-5:00 Photography majors from the Department of Art + Design will present research and visual imagery from their Senior Capstone Thesis Projects. Katriana Teoh, Katie Timko and Leigh Vukov have created unique, self-directed bodies of work addressing distinct issues in contemporary art. Our title playfully derives from the distinct directorial process each artist has employed. Vukov has conducted a rigorous, serial investigation of her own likeness with approaches both highly objective and wildly experimental (One). Using a range of alternative and traditional film processes, Timko observes her long-time spouse through a lens that oscillates between nostalgic reverie and obsessive surveillance (Two). Teoh takes on the role of a pseudo-ethnographer to create a subtly fantastical woodsy world inhabited by a lost tribe of young women (Ten). These disparate approaches and themes come together in a display that weaves quiet contemplation with spectacular observation of place, space and self, all the while questioning the boundaries and potentials of the photographic medium.

An Ecological Assessment of an Urban Stream Corridor and the Impact of Low Dam Removals. College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Amanda Elizabeth Angelucci, Caitlin Michele Buchheim, Catherine J Devitt, Claire T Kaminski ADVISORS Jeffrey L Kavanaugh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 This study was undertaken to understand the effects of low dam removal on the biodiversity in the Great Miami River. Samples of fish and macroinvertebrates were collected both above and below two different low dam sites, Monument Avenue and Tait Station. Fish samples were collected using boat-electroshocking and bank-electroshocking and an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) was calculated with the data. Samples of macroinvertebrates were obtained using artificial substrate samplers, kick nets, and sweep nets and used to calculate the Macroinvertebrate Aggregated Index for Streams (MAIS) at each sampling site. Physical characteristics of the stream channel, riparian zone and floodplain were quantified with a habitat evaluation index. Hand-held meters were used for measuring pH, conductivity, temperature, TDS, and dissolved oxygen and the float method was used to measure surface water velocity.

Beyond the Macro: Determining the role of micronutrients in orthopteran communities College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Kaitlin M Gawkins , Lucy E Bratton ADVISORS Chelse Prather, Misty K Thomas-Trout LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Insect herbivores, such as grasshoppers, are important components of grassland ecosystems, but presently we cannot accurately predict their abundance and diversity. Macronutrients (i.e., nitrogen and phosphorus) have long been considered to be important in limiting herbivore populations, but only nitrogen and phosphorus have been examined, thus overlooking a potential role for micronutrients. We are conducting a large-scale fertilization experiment manipulating micronutrients (Ca, K, and Na) and macronutrients (N and P) to determine how micronutrients affect orthopteran communities in coastal tallgrass prairies of Texas with a large, and whether the effect of micronutrients depends on the abundance of macronutrients. We found that, contrary to previous thinking, orthopterans were not limited by macronutrients, but were limited by individual micronutrients. A species of grasshopper (Melanoplus bispinosus) and multiple species of katydid (Orchelimum concinnum and Orchelimum vulgare) were particularly responsive. This summer, we will be conducting different types of feeding trials with these species to determine whether their responses are due to direct effects (i.e. via physiological mechanisms) or indirect effects (via changes in plant communities). These results would not only help to explain the mechanisms underlying of this large-scale experiment, but also, would give more insight into the relationship between direct and indirect influences of changing micronutrient concentration, thus setting a framework for further study in the future. These results have important implications for the management of rangeland ecosystems where orthopterans are highly managed pest species.

Coastal craziness: factors that regulate an invasive ant in a coastal tallgrass prairie College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Ryan W Reihart , John T Gruber ADVISORS Chelse Prather, Misty K Thomas-Trout LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Coastal tallgrass prairies are an endangered ecosystem, which is currently threatened by the invasion of rasberry crazy ants (Nylanderia fulva), especially near Houston, Texas. Since the invasion of N. fulva in 2002, this species has been able to reach extremely high densities, reduce native arthropod abundance, and has completely displaced the red imported fire (Solenopsis invicta), its invasive predecessor. Despite knowing the negative effects that N. fulva has on ecosystems, the biotic and abiotic factors that are responsible for its invasion success remain unknown. To determine the abiotic and biotic factors that contribute to N. fulvaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES abundance, we utilized a fully factorial blocked experimental design, which manipulates macro- and micronutrients (N&P, Ca, K, and Na; all possible treatments = 16 combinations x 8 replicates = 128 plots) in large 32 m x 32 m plots at the University of Houston Coastal Center in a coastal tallgrass prairie near Houston, Texas. Arthropods were collected by sweep netting in May 2016, along with measurements of plant biomass, plant composition, and soil characteristics to determine which factors are most important for the invasion success of N. fulva. Arthropods were sorted and identified to species. Initial results show that biotic and abiotic factors both contribute to N. fulva abundance. N. fulva was the most abundance arthropod species in all treatments. Our preliminary data shows evidence that N. fulva is limited by calcium, and co-limited by macronutrients (N and P) and sodium. In addition, N. fulva had an overall negative effect on arthropod abundance, particularly Hemipterans (true bugs) and other Hymenopterans (ants, bees, and wasps). These results indicate that biotic and abiotic factors both contribute to the invasion success of N. fulva, and without intervention, N. fulva could devastate what is left of coastal tallgrass prairies.

Cutting through â&#x20AC;&#x153;concreteâ&#x20AC;?: the fatclaw crayfish as an ecosystem engineer of prairies. College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Shania E Hurst, Zachary T Osborne, Ryan W Reihart ADVISORS Chelse Prather, Misty K Thomas-Trout LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Texas fatclaw crayfish dig from the groundwater up to the surface creating chimneys that the crayfish use for shelter and feeding aboveground. Little is known, however, about how these chimneys affect coastal tallgrass prairie ecosystems. We are trying to determine what determines the abundance of crayfish chimneys, and if these crayfish are ecosystem engineers that change the ways in which these ecosystems function by changing soil characteristics. How they affect the soil could determine what plants will be able to grow in the prairie. We used an existing experiment that is manipulating nutrients to determine the factors that affect the abundance of chimneys in a prairie. To estimate the amount and characteristics of the soil the crayfish were moving, we collected the chimneys themselves (n=8). Additionally, we took soil core samples from the base of the chimney, 25 cm from the chimney, and 75 cm from the chimney. Plant root simulating probes were used to measure soil plant-available nutrients. Chimneys are abundant on the prairie (1.75 per m2), and macro- and micronutrients were detrimental to chimney abundance. The soil that these crayfish are bringing up is very high in clay content that hardens to a cement of sorts. This clay is incredibly absorbent. The soil is high in sulfur, which is usually only found in places low in oxygen and could affect the surrounding plant life. Because these crayfish have a large effect in soil properties, we believe they are an ecosystem engineer in the prairies. These results highlight a need to consider crayfish presence when trying to restore a prairie.

Herbaceous layer species richness along forested headwater streams is negatively impacted by Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) invasion College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Mitchell J Kukla ADVISORS Ryan W McEwan LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 A major threat to forest ecosystems are invasive species such as Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle), a shrub that has been shown to greatly increase understory shading in forests. Our aim was to understand how herbaceous layer species richness and abundance are impacted by invasion of L. maackii along forested headwater streams in southwestern Ohio. The herbaceous layer was sampled in 60 1-m2 plots along 5 headwater streams representing a gradient of honeysuckle invasion intensity: reference, moderate, and heavy. Within 12 plots at each site, percent cover was estimated for each species in April, June, and August. For all three sampling dates, herbaceous cover did not differ significantly among sites. Significant differences in species richness were found in April and June (ANOVA; P < 0.001). The Englewood Reference site had significantly higher richness than the Aullwood Reference site in April and June (P < 0.005), which we believe was due to differences in environmental and soil properties between the sites. The Englewood Reference site also had significantly higher richness than the Englewood Moderate site in April (P = 0.024) and the heavily invaded Buckeye Trail site in June (P = 0.00083). Further, Floristic Quality Assessment Index values were examined in each site. In each month, zero non-native plants were found in the Englewood Reference and Englewood Moderate sites. In April and June, there were more non-native species present in the Buckeye Trail site than the Charleston Falls and Aullwood sites. In summary, these results suggest that Amur honeysuckle had a negative influence on herb layer diversity, but not cover. In addition, the increased presence of other non-native species in the heavily invaded site suggests that L. maackii may be altering the composition of the herbaceous layer. Further analyses will examine how herb community composition differs among sites using non-metric multidimensional scaling.

Is hemipteran community structure in a coastal tallgrass prairie dependent on micronutrients? College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Kiersten P Angelos, Emma E Pierpont, Ryan W Reihart

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES ADVISORS Chelse Prather, Misty K Thomas-Trout LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Insects play a major role in our ecosystems as pollinators, pest controls, decomposers, and a as food sources. Yet, there is limited knowledge on the factors that frame the structure of herbivore communities. The insect order, hemiptera, have piercing/sucking mouthparts, and are very important in grassland ecosystems as major herbivore species that affect nutrient cycling, primary productivity. They are also an important food source for other organisms. We con a large conducted a large fertilization experiment manipulating macronutrients (N,P) and micronutrients (Ca, K, and Na) in all combinations (16 total treatments) replicated 8 times (128 plots total) in large plots (30m x 30m) in a coastal tallgrass prairie in Texas. We sampled insects in each plot by sweepnetting plots, and also sampled plants and soil properties. We sorted insects to order, and are identifying all hemipterans to morphospecies. Because hemipterans were the abundant group in the samples, their responses drove community level responses of insects. Hemipterans were co-limited by nitrogen, phosphorous, and sodium. Their response may be driven by plant community responses to our treatments: their abundance was positively correlated with plant species richness. Future experiments will test to see if hemipterans are responding the micronutrients or the plant communities. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that this globally important insect group may be co-limited by a combination of macro- and micronutrients in this ecosystem. These findings important implications for the management of insect pest, and management for insect diversity.

Migratory waterfowl use of the Great Miami River channel in a heavily urbanized zone College of Arts and Sciences: Biology and The Rivers Institute Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Amanda Elizabeth Angelucci, Jessica T Carbonaro, Elise M Erhart, Hannah M Scharf, Emmett J Sheehan, Valerie Vlk ADVISORS Jeffrey L Kavanaugh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Even though the Great Miami River is highly urbanized where it runs through the heart of the city of Dayton, it is still used by many migratory and resident waterfowl. This study examines four miles of one of the most urbanized sections of the Great Miami River, spanning from the confluence of the Great Miami River with the Mad River, downstream to the Tait Station low dam. We expect to determine areas which attract the greatest numbers and species diversity of waterfowl. For our preliminary phase of the project, we hiked the entire channel on different days during the migratory season and waterfowl were counted, identified, and occasionally photographed at each tenth of a river mile interval. We recorded key environmental features that may play a role in waterfowl distribution and abundance. For the next phase of the project, we plan to quantify our assessments of the physical habitat with precise measurements of environmental features including water depth, water velocity, predominant substrate types, and presence and size of riffles, runs, and pools. In addition, we will measure characteristics of the levees including characteristics of the riparian zone and land use on the floodplain outside of the levee walls. By identifying and characterizing areas which are the most and least attractive to waterfowl, portions of the Miami River can be managed to encourage greater numbers and diversity of both the migrating and resident waterfowl.

Mixed metal Prussian blue analogues as working electrodes for rechargeable batteries College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Course Project, 201680 BIO 421 P1

STUDENTS Madeline L Mackey, Mark G Nielsen ADVISORS Ryan W McEwan LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 A facile method was used to synthesize six different mixed metal Prussian blue analogues, specifically hexacyanoferrate and hexacyanocobaltate. Two of the mixed metal hexacyanoferrates are currently being tested and the information on its electrochemical properties is unable to be disclosed. Because of this, only one mixture, nickel cobalt hexacyanoferrate (NiCoHCF), was tested in a three-electrode battery cell with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanic cycling (GC). NiCoHCF was also examined under SEM. The purpose of the experiment is to create a high-energy storage and rechargeable battery in order to provide an environmentally friendly, high abundance, and low cost alternative to the lithium ion battery.

Resolving the Gene Expression bases for the Convergent Evolution of a Pigmentation Trait College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Sumant Grover, Victoria Rene Spradling ADVISORS Thomas M Williams LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 The genetic basis by which organisms adapt to an ever changing world remains a topic of great interest to the fields of evolution, development, and conservation biology. It is understood that animal genomes contain over ten thousand genes and distantly related species possess many of the same genes due to common ancestry. What is less well understood is how new traits evolve using these shared genes and whether the genetic basis for evolution favors certain genes over others. At the heart of trait development are genes that encode proteins that regulate the expression of other genes, notably transcription factors and chromatin modifying proteins. Traits can evolve through changes in the expression patterns for these genes or through changes in which target genes

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES they regulate. However, case studies connecting gene expression changes to trait evolution remain few in number. Additionally, it is unclear whether gene expression evolution favors alterations in certain genes over others. In order to understand how a novel trait evolves and to determine whether evolution can prefer certain gene targets for modification, we are studying the convergent evolution of fruit fly pigmentation in the lineages of Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila funebris. These two species can be considered biological replicates for the evolution of male-specific pigmentation on the A5 and A6 abdominal segments. To understand the genes involved in the formation and evolution of these similar pigmentation patterns, we are utilizing candidate gene and comparative transcriptomic approaches. Completion of this work will provide novel insights on the genetic changes responsible for a trait’s origin, and whether development constrains evolutionary paths to certain genes.

Restoration of an invaded riparian zone influences stream macroinvertebrate biomass College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Course Project, 201710 BIO 421 P1

STUDENTS Caitlin Michele Buchheim ADVISORS Ryan W McEwan LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 In the Midwest USA many riparian plant communities are heavily invaded by Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii: hereafter honeysuckle), creating a dense canopy over headwater streams. Management practices aim to remove riparian honeysuckle; however, it is not well understood how these practices influence stream ecosystems. In this experiment, honeysuckle was removed from a headwater stream reach with a dense honeysuckle riparian forest. We investigated how this “restoration” activity influenced in-stream macroinvertebrate biomass dynamics compared to a “control” reach where the honeysuckle invasion remained intact. We predicted removal of honeysuckle would (H1) increase overall macroinvertebrate biomass, (H2) increase in detritivore functional feeding group (FFG) biomass. In August-September 2010, honeysuckle was removed along Black Oak Park stream in Centerville-Washington Park District, OH, creating a 150-meter honeysuckle removal reach and an upstream honeysuckle (control) reach. Aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected with a Surber sampler monthly from August 2010 to December 2014 within both reaches (n = 5/reach) and identified to genus when possible. Macroinvertebrate body metrics were measured with a micrometer using Image J software. Macroinvertebrate biomass (i.e. standing stock biomass) was estimated for each taxon and FFG using length-mass allometric equations. Preliminary analyses indicated honeysuckle removal did not significantly influence macroinvertebrate biomass; although, there was a clear pattern of increased biomass in the removal reach. Collector-filterer and the collector-gatherer FFG comprised the greatest overall biomass in both reaches. These preliminary results suggest removal of Amur honeysuckle impacts the overall aquatic macroinvertebrate biomass, potentially influencing the flow of energy within the stream food web.

Rewriting the textbooks: evidence of co-limitation by macro and micronutrients College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Amanda N Finke, Mackenzie E Ryan , Megan M Bollheimer, Kiersten P Angelos, Madison J Dembinski, Kaitlin M Gawkins, Shania E Hurst, Madeline R Norman, Ryan W Reihart ADVISORS Chelse Prather, Misty K Thomas-Trout LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Little is known about the relative importance of factors that structure insect communities in grassland ecosystems. Macronutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are known limiting factors in these ecosystems. Micronutrients, such as calcium, potassium, and sodium, may also be important limiting factors; however, few experiments have been done to provide evidence of their limiting effects. We are determining how micronutrients in the soil affect the insect communities in grasslands. We manipulated nitrogen and phosphorous, calcium, potassium, and sodium in every possible combination in the soil in a coastal tallgrass prairie in Texas. There were sixteen total treatments and each was replicated eight times. Insects were sampled by sweep netting and the relative abundance of insects, currently identified to order, was estimated. We also measured soil characteristics (pH, conductivity, soil moisture, the percentage of roots and root moisture). We that macronutrients actually had few effects on insect orders, but micronutrients had more, stronger effects on certain groups. Most interestingly, most orders were co-limited by nitrogen, phosphorus and sodium, a finding that has been hypothesized, but seldomly shown. These results stress a need to consider that more animals may be co-limited by combinations of macro- and micro-nutrients, and this is an extremely important implication in ecology that has been focused on just the role of macronutrients.

The Effect of Acetate on Listeria monocytogenes Pathogenesis College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Course Project, 201710 BIO 421 P1

STUDENTS Nicole L Steinbicker ADVISORS Yvonne Sun LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15

Affecting 1 in 6 Americans annually, foodborne illnesses range from mild gastroenteritis, to life- threatening conditions in high risk individuals with weakened immune systems. Those with chronic alcohol dependency fall in to the last category. Research on elucidating the mechanism of alcohol toxicity has focused on the intermediate of alcohol metabolism: acetaldehyde. However, it is not

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES clear if acetate, the final product of alcohol metabolism, plays any role in individual susceptibility to foodborne infections. Therefore, my research project aims to determine the role of acetate in foodborne infections by using the Gram-positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes as the model foodborne pathogen and establishing the effects of acetate on Listeria pathogenesis. Listeria pathogenesis was assayed by two different methods. First, the production of the toxin listeriolysin O (LLO) was determined in Listeria culture supernatant by hemolytic assays. Second, the ability of Listeria to cause infections was determined using a cell culture-based infection model. My results showed that the presence of acetate (50mM) significantly increased the anaerobic LLO production but not aerobic LLO production, suggesting that oxygen is critical in modulating the effect of acetate on Listeria. My preliminary results on cell culture infections showed that Listeria grown with acetate had an equal or slightly less infection rate in macrophages. I plan to expand the cell culture infection work in the following year to address the effect of acetate on cell susceptibility to Listeria infections using a human colonic epithelial cell line as another relevant cell types. Together, we will obtain a more comprehensive understanding on how acetate influence Listeria-host interactions. In the long run, we hope to contribute to the development of treatments for chronic alcohol dependency to lessen the financial and medical burden of alcoholism on individuals and on the society.

The modification of a pleiotropic cis-regulatory element shaped the contribution of Ddc to a novel dimorphic pigmentation trait. College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Lauren N Gresham, Sumant Grover, Victoria Rene Spradling ADVISORS Thomas M Williams LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Understanding the genetic and molecular underpinnings for morphological diversity remains a central goal of evolutionary and developmental biology research. While it is now understood that these traits arise by the orchestrated expression of numerous genes, a so called gene regulatory network, what remains poorly understood is how these networks of genes and their expression patterns are initially assembled and subsequently diversify. Gene expression is controlled by DNA sequences that are often referred to as cis-regulatory elements (CREs). Each CRE possesses binding sites for transcription factor proteins whose cumulative binding results in a specific pattern of gene expression. It is anticipated that gene expression evolution frequently occurs through the formation, modification, and destruction of CREs, presumably through changes that create or remove binding sites for transcription factor proteins. However the binding site level of CRE evolution has been worked out in very few cases. The fruit fly species Drosophila melanogaster has a male-specific pattern of abdominal pigmentation for which the enzyme encoding genes and several of their upstream transcription factor regulators are known. However, the details of how these regulators interact with CREs remain largely uncharacterized. One such enzyme gene that is necessary for this speciesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pattern of pigmentation is Dopa decaboxylase (Ddc). Here we share the results of our efforts to uncover the CRE-basis for this geneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expression pattern, and how this regulation and pattern of expression has evolved during the origin and diversification of this male-specific trait. Success here will advance a leading model for the CRE and gene network basis for morphological diversity.

The role of micronutrients: because what we put into the soil actually matters to plants College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Madison J Dembinski, Madeline R Norman, Carly Christine Delois, Kiersten P Angelos, Amanda N Finke, Kaitlin M Gawkins, Shania E Hurst, Ryan W Reihart, Mackenzie E Ryan ADVISORS Chelse Prather, Misty K Thomas-Trout LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 A critical need exists to understand what affects plant communities in coastal tallgrass ecosystems that are considered endangered ecosystems. We conducted an experiment in a coastal tall grass prairie in Texas that manipulated the amount of macronutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and micronutrients (calcium, sodium and potassium) in all possible combinations on a large scale. We estimated percent cover of every plant species in 4 pooled quadrats in all plots. Plant biomass was estimated by vegetation clipping. We found that when macronutrients were abundant then micronutrients had more profound effects on plant biomass and species richness, and some species seem co-limited by macro- and micronutrients. This data should be used to determine how to restore and treat coastal tallgrass prairies to understand their potential restoration.

Analysis of the spermtail axoneme following a substitution of Drosophila melanogaster beta 2-tubulin with Anopheles gambiae beta 2-tubulin: functional or not? College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Christian R Jensen ADVISORS Mark G Nielsen LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 How does a protein evolve while maintaining function? Nature is constantly flowing like a raging river; the consistent flow does not readily allow for a pause to chart a course through the dangerous waters. Much like navigating violent waters, nature must take a specific narrow path when making changes in the genetic code; one misstep can result in a loss of function. Our model focuses on

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES the beta 2-tubulin found in Drosophila melanogaster; past research has demonstrated that beta 2-tubulin has a major role in the formation of a functional 9+2 spermtail axoneme. Through phylogenetic analysis it has been determined that the D. melanogaster beta 2-tubulin sequence has not been altered for at least 110 million years; this is highly unusual in the scope of nature. Although there have been no recent changes in the Melanogaster sequence, there are marked changes in the beta 2-tublin sequences among Melanogasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close relatives. Anopheles gambiae and Melanogaster shared a common ancestor around 220 million years ago, however there are 40 amino acid differences between the two beta 2-tubulin sequences. This proposal aims to create a transgenic organism; the Melanogaster beta-2 will be replaced with the Anopheles beta-2. If the resulting spermtail is functional, it will show that the 40 changes in the Anopheles sequence followed a specific, precise path that allows it to remain functional within the Melanogaster domain. However, it is possible that the substitution will result in the spermtail axoneme being compromised and a loss of spermtail function. This would show that there has been a significant evolutionary event since the divergence 220 million years ago; this event effectively prevents further adaptive changes from occurring in the Melanogaster beta-2 sequence.

Application of a GUS reporter system to establish HLY transcription in response to oxygen and propionate College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Erica Rinehart ADVISORS Yvonne Sun LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis through production of the toxin listeriolysin O (LLO). In healthy individuals, the symptoms of listeriosis are minimal; however, severe illness can occur in pregnant women, immunocompromised patients, and the elderly. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implicated LM to be responsible for 19% of the deaths related to foodborne pathogens. Every year 1,600 people become infected with LM and are hospitalized in the United States and 1in 5 patients do not survive. Due to these statistics, it is important to understand LM virulence and how it is regulated to ensure that the current food safety standards are effective against this pathogen. Previous work has shown that propionate, a common food preservative that also exists within the human gut, increases LLO production anaerobically with the inverse being true aerobically. Thus, if propionate affects LM pathogenesis, we expect the presence of propionate to affect the transcriptional regulation of the gene hly that encodes the protein LLO. This research verifies that a LM strain with a GUS reporter can be used to examine the effect of propionate on the transcriptional regulation of LLO production. Experiments were performed both aerobically and anaerobically in the presence of varying concentrations of propionate (0mM, 5mM, 15mM and 25mM). The results showed that anaerobically as the concentration of propionate increased the intensity of the fluorescence increased, meaning increasing hly transcription. Aerobically, however, the presence of propionate resulted in a decrease in hly transcription. These results highlight the impact propionate on hly transcription and the role of oxygen in LM response to propionate.

Assessing the Effect of Propionate and Oxygen on the Antimicrobial Activity of Nisin College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Andrea M Vietti ADVISORS Yvonne Sun LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Listeria monocytogenes is one of many common foodborne pathogens that causes infections that are extremely dangerous to individuals, especially to those with compromised immune systems. From a societal standpoint, treatment can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per patient thus causing a significant strain on public health. The human body, specifically the gastrointestinal lumen, is equipped with an internal chemical barrier that serves to fight off dangerous pathogens such as Listeria. This chemical barrier is composed of antimicrobial peptides that target invading microbes. Alongside these antimicrobial peptides are fermentation acids such as propionate that are produced by endogenous microbes in the human body. Foodborne pathogens are contracted through contaminated food products and in order to reduce this, public health officials incorporate antimicrobial peptides such as nisin to consumer food products. Research geared towards combating foodborne pathogens typically focuses on aerobic conditions; however, Listeria is exposed to anaerobic conditions due to the anoxic environment in the human gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this study is to understand Listeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s susceptibility to the fermentation acid propionate and antimicrobial peptide nisin in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. By treating Listeria to incremental concentrations of both nisin and propionate and exposing the bacteria to both anaerobic and aerobic conditions, Listeria survival can be determined. This research possesses implications for the understanding of combating foodborne pathogens such as Listeria, and research can thus allow public health personnel to reduce the societal burdens of Listeria infection.

Biomass Production of Basic Garden Plants Growing in Simulated Martian Soil College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Amber R Delvento, Tessa L Farthing, Shelby Krumpelman, Ana D Ritz, Sophie F Yurczyk

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES ADVISORS Jerome C Servaites LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Future manned missions to Mars will require that astronauts grow at least some of the food that they will eat. This project was initiated by an interest in a recent film, The Martian, in which a marooned astronaut grows potatoes in Martian soil to supplement his diet. Robotic spacecraft have been sent to Mars and have analyzed the Martian soil. Comparable soils similar to Martian soils have been found on Earth. We obtained a Martian Regolith Simulant from Orbit Tech, Inc., a subcontractor for NASA.Martian soil contains all micro and macronutrients essential to sustain plant life. Using a climate controlled environment chamber, seeds of radishes, peas, and lettuce were grown in Earth garden soil or simulant Martian soil. Eight seedlings of each species, four of which were planted in earth topsoil, and four of which were planted in Martian soil. A balanced liquid fertilizer was applied to half of the plants. At the end of eight weeks, the biomass of targeted edible biomass was measured. The results will be useful in determining the possibility of growing food on Mars.

CRISPR CREam for Fruit Flies: Developing a Genome-Editing Approach to Study the Cis-regulatory Elements that Control the Activities of Genes College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Alexandra M Hallagan ADVISORS Thomas M Williams LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Animal genomes possess over ten thousand genes and the number of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) controlling their utilization is perhaps ten times as numerous. Moreover, animal diversity has been prominently shaped by changes in these CREs. Thus, understanding the function of CREs and their evolutionary modification is necessary to grasp how animals develop and evolve. An ideal genetic approach to study CREs is to remove and then replace them with a variant CRE to see how development changes. However, a feasible method does not exist to study the numerous CREs and their variant forms. My thesis sought to develop an approach to delete CREs from a fruit fly genome and subsequently replace them with variant forms by combining the CRISPR/Cas9 system with recombination mediated cassette exchange. Success here should provide a powerful genetic capability for future research in various species and perhaps inspire ways to treatment human genetic disorders.

Ecdysone (Ec) signaling pathway activation can block Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Neha Gogia, Lydia C Payton, Matthew Richard Riccetti, Ankita Sarkar ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh, Amit Singh, Dr. Ken Moberg (Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA) LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative condition that affects nearly 44 million people worldwide with no proper early detection methods or cures to date, but promising molecular genetic evidence is arising from studying the development of nervous tissue in model organisms like Drosophila melanogaster. In order to better understand the mechanism, we misexpressed human Aß42, the causal pathological agent of AD, in the eye of Drosophila. This stable transgenic line results in GMR-GAL4 driven UAS-amyloid-beta (GMR>Aß42) mediated cell death in the eyes of nearly 100% flies at 29°C. We identified the Ecdysone signaling pathway as a modifier of Aß42-mediated neurodegeneration. The Ecdysone (Ecd) signaling pathway has been shown to modulate Hippo transcriptional activity in imaginal disc cells. The Ecd coactivator Taiman (Tai) forms a unique transcriptional complex with the Hippo transcription factor Yki, altering expression of canonical Hippo targets and inducing transcription of germline stem cell factors in regions that have already differentiated. We proposed to a) Investigate if the Ecd pathway can trigger cell proliferation machinery through induction of stem cell factors, and b) to investigate if the Ecd pathway can block cell death machinery. Our data suggests that upregulation of the Yki-Tai transcription complex constituents does not induce germ cell-like growth in the GMR domain as is typically seen in Yki hyperactivity, but reduces apoptotic-mediated cell death. We found that Taiman upregulation leads to increased expression of canonical Hippo target Diap1, which subsequently blocks activity of the pro-apoptotic proteins Hid and Caspase-3, rescuing Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration in our Drosophila eye model. Ecdysone and Hippo signaling pathways have not previously been identified as modifiers of neurodegeneration; our results show that activation of this unique Ecd/Hippo transcriptional program has significant bearings on disease pathology and may serve as a novel protein interaction network for AD therapeutics in the future.

Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Dark Therapy Utilizing Porphyrins Against Infections Caused by the Model Organism Mycobacterium smegmatis College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Marissa Christine Jama ADVISORS Jayne B Robinson LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing porphyrins has emerged as a possible ancillary treatment against antibiotic resistant bacteria. Porphyrins, such a novel zinc containing porphyrin designated ZnP, create reactive oxygen species that are toxic to bacterial cells utilizing light by a mechanism that is not yet fully understood. Previous experiments have shown ZnP to be able to kill microorganisms in the dark which is unique to few porphyrins. The aim of this research is to understand the effect ZnP has on Mycobacterium smegmatis, a model organism for the pathogenic bacterium Mycobacterium tuburculosis which causes the lung infection tuberculosis. Further experimentation includes understanding the effects of ZnP on M. smegmatis biofilm formation and disruption as well as antibiotic uptake in formerly antibiotic resistant cells.

Effects of Ultrasound on Amyloid Beta 42 (Aß42) Mediated Neurodegeneration College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Sarah M Byrne, Lydia C Payton, Ankita Sarkar ADVISORS Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease progressing with age. The exact mechanisms that lead to cell death are not entirely understood. It has been shown that accumulation of amyloid-beta-42 (Aß42) plaques generated by mis-cleavage of amyloid-precursor-protein is the cause of neurodegeneration seen in AD. This is due to the hydrophobic nature of Aß42 due to extra two amino acids added to the typical and naturally occurring Aß40 in the body. This addition triggers neuronal death because of the toxic nature and stress that the plaques place on the neurons. Drosophila melanogaster was used as a model in this study to introduce this human Aß42 into the developing fly retina comprising of retinal neurons. I propose to employ ultrasound wave exposure as a possible treatment to Alzheimer’s. Ultrasound is a high frequency and lower energy sound wave, which will have less deleterious effect on cells in the tissue. In theory, using energy emitted from these waves would break down the plaques limiting damage due to degeneration. The wild type will be used as a control to see any side effects of the ultrasound treatment, while an AD affected fly will be used to determine effectiveness of the treatments. The goal of this project is to standardize the optimum ultrasound treatment, to observe the effects on survival rates, prevent neurodegeneration by removing or decreasing plaque damage. By varying the height, medium, time, developmental stage and number of treatments, the survival rate and rescue can be tracked. These studies will allow testing the efficacy of commonly used treatment in sports related tissue injuries to cure inflammation and also to dislodge protein aggregations in Alzheimer’s disease where accumulation of Aß42 plaques is the hallmark.

Exploring novel calcium-handling processes in the brain: a behavioral mouse phenotyping approach College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Aikaterini Britzolaki, Emily M Flaherty, Joseph E Saurine, Connor F Thelen ADVISORS Pothitos Pitychoutis LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis in the brain is critical for cell function and survival. Disruption of this balance elicits neuronal cell death, impaired long-term potentiation (LTP), and learning and memory deficits. Subsequently, abnormalities in cerebral Ca2+ handling are linked to numerous costly and devastating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Research in our lab focuses on understanding the regulatory mechanisms of central Ca2+ handling. To this end, we have recently identified a novel Ca2+ regulatory protein that is expressed in the mouse brain. To understand the function of this gene in vivo, we are using a genetically modified mouse model that lacks the gene encoding for this protein. More specifically, mutant and wildtype (i.e., control) mice have undergone a series of behavioral tests to screen for potential phenotypical alterations caused by the genetic deletion of this gene. We have conducted behavioral tests to screen for anxiety (home-cage emergence test), grooming behavior (splash test) and memory consolidation (novel object recognition test). In this poster presentation, we will show compelling pilot data obtained by our group, indicating that loss of function of this novel Ca2+ regulatory protein in mice is accompanied by pronounced anxiolysis, enhanced grooming behavior and memory deficits.

Expression of the aquaglyceroporin, HC-3, in erythrocytes of Cope’s gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Loren V McDaniel ADVISORS Carissa M Krane LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00

Cope’s gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis, is a freeze tolerant anuran that accumulates glycerol as a cryoprotectant during a period of cold acclimation in anticipation of freezing. Transmembrane flux of glycerol allows it to equilibrate between intra- and extracellular fluids. Glycerol functions by moderating the osmotic pressure that forms when free water forms ice in the extracellular fluid. The mechanism by which glycerol permeates cellular membranes is currently unknown. It is hypothesized that transmembrane glycerol flux may occur through the transmembrane channel protein, aquaglyceroporin, HC-3. It is known that HC-3 protein expression

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES and membrane localization is enhanced in erythrocytes from cold-acclimated treefrogs as compared to warm-acclimated frogs, coinciding with elevated plasma glycerol level. However, the mechanism(s) that regulate the protein expression and subcellular localization of HC-3 in erythrocytes in cold-acclimated animals is not known. Freezing is likely to be a stressful event for the treefrogs, in which case stress neurohormone, epinephrine is involved. We hypothesize that HC-3 abundance and localization are regulated by epinephrine through a PKC-dependent cell signaling pathway. To test this hypothesis, erythrocytes from H. chrysoscelis, were cultured in the presence/absence of 0.5 and 1 mM epinephrine with/without calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor, throughout a 2 hour time course. Fluorescent immunocytochemistry showed membrane localization of HC-3 when cells were cultured with epinephrine for 60 minutes. Western blotting showed enhanced HC-3 expression in cells cultured with epinephrine. These results show epinephrine is involved in increased HC-3 expression and membrane localization, a response observed in preparation of freezing.

Flow cytometry in evaluation of tumor cells using Drosophila cancer model College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Michael M Gilbert, Kirti Snigdha ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Cancer is characterized by rapid uncontrolled division of mutated tumor cells. These cells arise amidst the normal cells and differ from them in the DNA content, rate of cell division and proliferation. The presence of DNA aneuploidy and a high proportion of S-phase tumor cells have been associated with tumor malignancy and a poor prognosis. Our lab focuses on understanding how the tumor cells and normal cells interact in vivo using Drosophila melanogaster to drive the tumor survival and progression. Given to its well-studied genetics, low redundancy in genome, ease of maintenance and similarities in gene architecture, they have served as an excellent model system for many diseases including cancer. We hypothesize that the tumor and normal cell interact among each other through molecular signals and this aids in tumor progression. Identifying the key differences between normal and tumor cell will help us in better understanding the interactions happening between them. A flow cytometer is exceptionally useful with these observations including the detection of tumor cell DNA aneuploidy and the analysis of tumor cell proliferation. In this sophisticated technique we will be able to identify the changes in the cell cycle, and the amount of DNA content present in both the tumor cells and normal cells. It will also help in understanding the molecular basis of cell proliferation, and cell signaling. We have established epithelial tumor model in Drosophila wing imaginal disc in which the tumor cells are marked by green fluorescent protein and are surrounded by normal cells. We propose to use flow cytometry to identify the tumor cells from the normal cells based on the GFP expression. We intend to evaluate the changes in the tumor cell population, DNA content and cell cycle due to blocking of key signaling pathways between tumor cell and normal cell. Here we present our findings by using flow cytometry.

Growth regulatory pathway collaborates with axial patterning genes to regulate patterning and growth in Drosophila eye College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Neha Gogia ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh, Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 In multicellular organisms, organogenesis requires axial patterning to determine Antero-Posterior (AP), Dorso-Ventral (DV), Proximo-Distal (PD) axes. Any deviation in these axes during development leads to congenital birth defects. In our model system, Drosophila melanogaster (a.k.a fruit fly), Dorso-Ventral (DV) patterning marks first lineage restriction event. We have identified defective proventriculus (dve-a Homeobox gene), an ortholog of SATB homeobox 1 (special AT-rich sequence binding protein 1), as new member of DV patterning gene hierarchy. We have shown that dve acts downstream of pannier (pnr, GATA-1 transcription factor), and upstream of wingless (wg) in dorsal gene hierarchy. Loss-of-function of dve, pnr results in dramatic dorsal eye enlargements, whereas gain-of-function suppresses the eye fate. We have demonstrated that Wg is downstream target of Hippo growth regulatory pathway (highly conserved) in eye. Furthermore, Wingless (Wg), which acts downstream of dve, also exhibits similar eye enlargement and suppression phenotypes and has been shown to play a role in growth. Here, we present that DV patterning genes interact with Hippo signaling to regulate the common downstream target, Wg during growth and patterning of developing Drosophila eye. Our data states (1) These two pathways interact antagonistically, and that (2) Activating Hippo signaling in dve, pnr expression domain results in change of head specific fate to an eye. We have tested retinal determination fate markers in these backgrounds. This study will address important questions, (1) Whether axial patterning genes (dve, pnr) and Hippo pathway regulates patterning, growth independently or in-coordination with each other by regulating Wg to form an eye/or any other organ, (2) Which of these pathways acts upstream and downstream, (3) During the development, whether growth regulatory pathways gets activated first and regulates patterning genes to form an organ or vice versa and (4) How the downstream targets are regulated, if these pathways are connected. The results from these studies will be presented.

Interaction of the hippo pathway and dronc in regulating cell proliferation College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES STUDENTS Hannah M Scharf, Kirti Snigdha ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is one of the most important regulatory events for proper tissue homeostasis. It is a gene-directed program that helps in controlling the number of cells through components that influence cell survival as well as those that control proliferation and differentiation. Dysregulation of apoptosis is a hallmark for cancer in which mutated tumor cells exhibit uncontrolled cell division and evade cell death. Hence, to understand cancer biology and devise effective therapeutic avenue, it is highly essential to study how the genes involved in the pathways of cell growth and cell death get dysregulated to promote tumorigenesis. The Hippo signaling pathway was identified in Drosophila melanogaster, (commonly known as the fruit fly) and is evolutionarily conserved in mammals. The Hippo pathway regulates organ size, cell proliferation, and cell death, and is commonly deregulated in human tumors. Previous study in our lab has shown that the Hippo pathway interacts with initiator capase Dronc, along with effector caspase Drice and Dark to regulate cell death. In addition, Dronc is the first target gene that is negatively regulated by the Hippo pathway. We hypothesized that loss of Dronc, Drice, and Dark function will enable unchecked cell proliferation. To evaluate this we used the eye imaginal disc of the Drosophila melanogaster in which we will produce small clones of mutated cells for Dronc. We will evaluate different cell proliferation markers like cyclin A and E through immunostaining and confocal microscopy. This will help us in understanding how the loss of Dronc affects cell proliferation. Here we present our findings on this.

Investigate the role of OPA1 gene mutation in amyloid-beta 42 mediated neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Elizabeth A Borchers, Lydia C Payton, Ankita Sarkar ADVISORS Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure to date. The disease is caused by the extra-cellular accumulation of amyloid-beta 42 (Aß42) peptides, which results in neuronal death. We have developed transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (a.k.a fruit fly) model of AD where human Aß42 peptide was misexpressed specifically in the Drosophila eye using the GAL4/UAS system. Our approach allows Aß42 accumulation only in the differentiating photoreceptor neurons, which kills only the retinal neurons, and does not affect the reproductive ability as well as life span of flies. It allows us to use these flies to understand the molecular genetic basis of AD. One of the hallmark of AD is generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from mitochondria, which triggers neuronal death. My hypothesis is that OPA-1, a dynamin related GTPase, which regulate mitochondrial fusion, is involved in regulating Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration. A fine balance between mitochondrial fission and fusion events is essential for normal mitochondrial and cellular function. Mutations of OPA1, an early stop signal produces small unstable mitochondrial proteins, which increases ROS levels in neurons. There is a strong correlation between increased ROS levels and mitochondrial fragmentation with neuronal death. I will investigate role of OPA1 in Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration using our fly eye model. This gene is highly conserved between flies and humans. Thus, our studies will have significant bearings on understanding molecular genetic basis of AD and role of energy generating mitochondrial machinery in age related neurodegeneration.

Investigating cell-cell interactions in Drosophila glioma models College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Logan J Roebke ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a devastating form of primary brain cancer with poor prognosis. Capitalizing on the similarities between mammalian and Drosophila glial cells, Drosophila glioblastoma models have been established that show similarities to anaplastic glia from high-grade human glioma. Using the Repo MARCM system, we established two models of Drosophila glioblastomas by overexpressing oncogene RasV12 together with downregulation of Pten (PtenRNAi) in one model system and suppression of scribble (ScribRNAi ) in another. These genetic alterations lead to overgrowth of glial cells creating glioblastomas in Drosophila larval brain. The glioblastoma containing brain appear enlarged in comparison to normal wild type brain, which clearly suggests the dysregulation of growth control in tumors. We studied expression of ecdysone receptor (ECR) and Taiman proteins in the two model glioblastomas. Taiman is the co-activator of ECR, and cooperatively control growth. One mechanism by which Taiman regulates growth is by cooperatively interacting with Yorkie (Yki) the co-activator of the Hippo growth control pathway. We want to understand the role of these proteins in the development of the gliomas. We first tested the expression of ECR and Taiman in our glioma models and found that in both the models, ECR and Taiman are downregulated in the tumor cells in comparison to the normal expression in non-tumor cells. This suggests the growth control is lost in tumors. We will test the role of Yki in this growth regulatory interaction. Here we present our findings from the ECR-Taiman-Yki studies in Drosophila glioma models.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Investigating the role of inflammatory cytokines on tumor progression and metastasis in a Drosophila cancer model College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Kirti Snigdha ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh, Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Tumor cells and surrounding normal cells interact with each other and constitute the tumor microenvironment (TME) which supports the survival and proliferation of tumors. Studies indicate the presence of inflammatory components in the TME. However, little is known about the effect of these inflammatory molecules on tumor growth and progression. The core inflammatory pathways are conserved in Drosophila. Imaginal discs of Drosophila melanogaster are a popular model to study epithelial tumors due to the variety of mosaic analysis tools, and the ease positively marking cells that allow tracking growth and progression of tumor cells. We co-activated oncogenic forms of Yki or RasV12 activities in polarity deficient (scribble mutant) epithelial cells to model aggressively growing and metastatic tumors. To simulate the TME, ‘FLP-out’ clones of tumor cells marked with GFP were generated. The activity of key inflammatory pathways Toll, TNF, and JNK in the TME was tested by immunohistochemistry. We observed upregulation of Cactus (TLR pathway component) and p- JNK (activated form of JNK), and downregulation of Drosophila TNF ligand, Eiger in the tumor cells. Of these, only Eiger was upregulated in neighboring normal cells. Based on these results we hypothesized that a bidirectional cross-talk between the tumor and normal cells in the TME elicits a differential inflammatory response that promotes tumor cell survival and progression. To analyze this, we down-regulated Cactus and Wengen (TNF receptor) and evaluated the effect on tumor size and survival of tumor cells. A comparison of hyperplastic (Yki ScribRNAi) and metastatic (RasV12 ScribRNAi) tumor model was done to identify the role of inflammatory cytokines in tumor progression. Here, we report our progress on the study of the effect of these pathways and inflammatory cytokines on tumor survival and metastasis. Our research will help unravel the correlation between inflammatory pathways and tumor progression in an in vivo model.

Investigating the role of putative regeneration genes of Notophthalmus viridescens using Drosophila melanogaster model. College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Abijeet S Mehta ADVISORS Amit Singh, Panagiotis A Tsonis, A Luz-Madrigal LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Notophthalmus viridescens, Red-spotted newt, possess amazing capability to regenerate its organs including tail, limb, heart, brain, spinal cord, lens and other tissues. We have identified a novel family of proteins expressed in adult tissues during regeneration in newts by using a de novo assembly of the newt transcriptome that is combined with proteomic validation. Although, these proteins have no counterparts in public databases, they have a putative signal peptide suggesting the secretory nature of these proteins. To investigate the regeneration potential of these newt-specific genes (and given certain restrains with transgenic newts, such as time), we employed transgenic Drosophila melanogaster model to express these genes. We generated the transgenic flies containing candidate genes, and tried to evaluate their potential to rescue pattern defect mutants of Drosophila melanogaster. Simultaneously, we prepared samples for RNA sequencing to generate the snap shot of gene expression when the candidate genes are misexpressed. Using transgenic approach, these candidate genes were expressed in all the tissues of Drosophila, and samples for sequencing were collected at third instar larval (L3) stage. Interestingly, we have found that these genes are affecting regulatory machinery of Drosophila melanogaster by binding to the sequence specific sites in DNA and regulating the genes involved in Apoptosis and cell cycle. We are further evaluating the potential of these novel genes to rescue pattern defect mutants of Drosophila melanogaster. Our hypothesis is that if these genes are responsible for regeneration they will be able to rescue developmental cell death. The results generated from these studies will be presented in the conference.

Investigation of the role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction as a trigger for neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Lydia C Payton, Amit Singh ADVISORS Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Alzheimer’s disease (hereafter AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive function and memory of the patient. It results from plaques formed by the abnormal cleavage of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), which result in the formation of 42 amino acid polypeptide, also known as amyloid beta 42 (Aß42). Accumulation of Aß42 peptide triggers cell death in the neuronal cell population of central nervous system. However, the trigger for this abnormal cell death is unknown. A possible explanation involves the role of mitochondrial dysfunction as the trigger for neurodegeneration. Mitochondria are involved in vital cellular functions, including ATP production, calcium ion homeostasis, reactive oxygen species production, and apoptosis. My hypothesis is

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES that mutations in genes regulating mitochondrial health may play a role in neurodegeneration observed in AD mediated neurodegeneration. The rationale behind this hypothesis is, mitochondria are present in all neurons and mitochondrial function impairment results in cell suicide. It is known that trigger for cell death initiates from the mitochondria. Therefore, mitochondria might play an important role in Aß42 mediated neuronal death. In order to investigate these issues, a Drosophila melanogaster eye model is used with the Gal4/UAS to misexpress the human Aß42 polypeptide in the photoreceptor neurons of the fly retina. I propose to test the role of mitochondria in AD using candidate gene approach. These studies swill have significant bearings on understanding the etiology of AD and identification of biomarkers for early detection of this disease.

Investigation of the role of OPA1 gene mutation in amyloid-beta 42 mediated neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

Ketamine treatment induces sex-specific synaptogenic effects in the medial prefrontal cortex of stress-naïve C57BL/6J mice College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Emily M Flaherty, Joseph N Mauch, Sara S Mohamed, Joseph E Saurine, Connor F Thelen ADVISORS Pothitos Pitychoutis LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating neuropsychiatric disease that impacts more than 350 million individuals worldwide. A neurobiological characteristic of MDD, the atrophy of spines, most often presents itself in brain regions implicated in stress response (e.g., prefrontal cortex and hippocampus). Directly combating these neural deficits, the novel rapid-acting antidepressant drug ketamine has been shown to induce its therapeutic effects by enhancing synaptogenesis and dendritic spine formation in the male rodent brain. Despite the wealth of knowledge on the neurobiological effects of ketamine in the male brain, the effects of this drug in females are not well characterized. Published and preliminary data from our group and others indicate that female mice are behaviorally more reactive to the antidepressant-like effects of ketamine. However, the innate mechanisms underlying the female sensitivity to this rapid-acting antidepressant drug still remain elusive. A modified Golgi-Cox neurohistological staining technique was used to determine whether increases in dendritic spine density in the PFC were associated with the antidepressant-like effects of ketamine in stress-naïve female mice. It was found that a single dose of ketamine (10mg/kg) elicited a synaptogenic response in the medial prefrontal cortex of male but not female mice at three days post-injection. These findings support the notion that different brain regions and/or molecular pathways are implicated in the female antidepressant response to ketamine, and highlight the need for further studies focusing on the sex-specific neuromolecular alterations following ketamine administration.

Listeria monocytogenes Oxygen Consumption College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Andy J Deak ADVISORS Yvonne Sun LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Listeria monocytogenes is a human pathogen responsible for foodborne illnesses with a high mortality rate. Similarly to many other enteric pathogens, it is a facultative anaerobe capable of growing under anoxic conditions such as some food packaging and our intestinal lumen. Therefore, to better understand how Listeria responds to fluctuating oxygen levels during transmission and infection,

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES we measured oxygen consumption rate of Listeria grown under different conditions. Bacteria were grown overnight to stationary phase in BHI media aerobically or anaerobically and back diluted into fresh BHI for 2 hours to reach mid-log phase. The optical density of all cultures was measured and used to normalize oxygen consumption rate. The bacteria was centrifuged, washed, and resuspended into a concentrated suspension. The oxygen level was measured with the use of an oxygen probe inside an anaerobic chamber. The oxygen level of blank BHI media was measured and subtracted from the final oxygen rate. The results showed that anaerobically-grown mid-log phase bacteria has the fastest rate of oxygen consumption, followed by the aerobically-grown mid-log phase, then the anaerobically-grown and the aerobically-grown stationary phase bacteria. To test the role of electron transport chain in oxygen consumption rate, we treated the sample with the uncoupler CCCP during oxygen concentration measurement. Interestingly, the presence of CCCP did not significantly alter oxygen consumption rate, a result suggesting the presence of another oxygen consumption pathway other than the electron transport chain. The acutely toxic salt anion sodium azide will be tested next to determine if the cytochrome oxidase is involved in oxygen consumption. In summary, our results indicate a significantly different oxygen consumption potential between aerobically and anaerobically grown Listeria that may contribute to its transmission through environments with fluctuating oxygen levels.

Nanostructured Microcantilevers for the Sensing of Volatile Compounds College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Ryan J Mcneilly ADVISORS Karolyn M Hansen LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The goal of this study is to create a biomolecular sensing device with high sensitivity and selectivity. The micro-machined cantilever has been selected as the sensing platform, and will be improved using a bio-inspired approach. Inspired by the small hairs on fly antennae, the sensitivity of the sensor is increased through the use of a nanostructured surface. Nanostructure was deposited on the surface of the microcantilever using the Glancing Angle Deposition process and the nanostructure was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and a Scanning Kelvin Probe. Incorporation of odorant binding proteins will also be used to increase the selectivity of the device, inspired by the sensing compounds of a dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nose. The sensing capabilities of the microcantilever will be tested on three molecules: trimethylamine, acetic acid, and ammonia. Peptides for the detection of these compounds have been modeled using PEP-FOLD and binding interactions have been modeled using PyRx. The chemistry was tested using fluorescence microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, demonstrating the successful attachment of the peptides. The microcantilever can be constructed in an array format, leading to potential applications in many areas, including environmental monitoring, food quality monitoring, hazardous gas detection, and medical diagnostics.

Novel Porphyrin Antimicrobial

College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Marissa Christine Jama, Nehaben N Patel ADVISORS Jayne B Robinson LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The CDC reports there are over 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths per year attributed to antibiotic resistance in the US. The recent report of a colistin resistant strain of E. coli in the US heralds the first truly panresistant bacterium. These data signal a major challenge to human health and a clarion call for new and novel antibacterial treatments. Photodynamic therapy using porphyrins and light activation has emerged as one such strategy. We report here standard antimicrobial testing of a novel Zn containing porphyrin, ZnP, we recently patented (US PAT. NO. 14,466,662). Additionally, we report a novel antimicrobial strategy using a well-known porphyrin, TMP, in the treatment of biofilm associated pathogenic bacteria (US PAT. NO. 8,551,456.Our novel, patented porphyrin, (ZnP) possesses dark as well as light activated toxicity effective at micro molar levels against a broad range of bacterial pathogens: P. aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium smegmatis and MRSA, for example. Typical killing ranges are from 4-8 logs. Further, ZnP added to planktonic cells results in biofilms that are 6 logs reduced compared to control biofilms. We also present data that show pretreatment of 24h old P. aeruginosa biofilms with TMP, in the dark, substantially enhanced killing by antibiotics such as tobramycin and vancomycin; and dismantles the biofilm from the surface. Enhanced killing by vancomycin is of great interest since this is an antibiotic not typically effective against gram-negative bacteria. In vitro toxicity testing of ZnP has shown no toxicity at effective treatment levels in lung alveolar tissue cells. Resistance has yet to be observed by us or reported by others. Our novel porphyrin ZnP is uniquely effective against a wide range of pathogens in the absence of light. Prior to this finding the requirement for light has limited the areas in the body where porphyrins could be used to treat infections. Our finding that TMP can enhance and expand the effectiveness of currently used antibiotics, and dismantles biofilms from surfaces, provides a combination therapy that should prove to be useful for a wide range of infections.

Promoting Interdisciplinary Scientific Investigations in the Secondary Biology Classroom College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research STUDENTS Jessica L Grilliot

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES ADVISORS Karolyn M Hansen LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 This project integrates interdisciplinary biosensor research conducted in the Biology Department of the University of Dayton into the curriculum of a ninth grade biology course. The curriculum of such a course in the state of Ohio must include opportunities for students to practice inquiry and application skills. The learning experience developed for this project challenges students to investigate the purpose and applications of college level research. Learning module content includes interdisciplinary connections with biology, chemistry, and physics, such as molecular structure, chemical bonds, sensory response, signal transduction, and sound waves/resonance frequency. Inquiry and application skills are incorporated through directed reading, group discussion of the project concept, and hands-on construction and testing of a model sensor device. Assessment metrics include a pre- and post-activity survey, peer evaluation of constructed devices, and working group written and oral reflection on learning module content.

Resolving the Molecular Mechanisms by Which DNA Mutations Alter the Function of a Genetic Switch College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Emily E Wey ADVISORS Thomas M Williams LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Each human genome possesses around a million mutations that are genetic baggage from DNA replication mistakes or “mutations” that occurred in the past. Each mutation can have one of three outcomes on an individual, these are to improve, reduce, or have no effect on health. Moreover, the effects of such mutations can depend on the presence or absence of other mutations, so called epistatic interactions. A major goal of genomic medicine is to glean diagnostic or predictive health information from the genome sequences of individuals. However, this goal remains out of reach as the effects of mutations and epistatic interactions are difficult to predict without knowing the function of the DNA sequence they reside in. This difficulty is especially heightened for mutations occurring in cis-regulatory element sequences that act as switches to control gene transcription. The research I plan to perform for my Honors Thesis is to use a fruit fly model to test hypotheses about the molecular mechanisms by which mutations alter a genetic switch’s activity and whether these mutations are subjected to the tyranny of epistatic interactions. I will study the Drosophila melanogaster dimorphic element which is a transcription-regulating switch for the bric-à-brac genes. Three mutations in the dimorphic element were identified that individually alter the level of bric-à-brac transcription. The presence or absence of epistatic interactions will be determined by measuring the activity of dimorphic elements from related species that have been engineered to possess the Drosophila melanogaster mutations. I will also test the hypothesis that these mutations impart their effects by creating or destroying binding sites for proteins known as transcription factors. The results will provide a sorely needed example where an understanding of molecular mechanisms bridges the gap between a DNA sequence and its in vivo function.

Revealing Evolutionary Mechanisms by Mapping Pigmentation Character States and Developmental Mechanisms onto a Resolved Fruit Fly Phylogenetic Tree College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Abigail M Groszkiewicz, Jesse T Hughes ADVISORS Thomas M Williams LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Since the origin of the 36 recognized animal phyla over 500 million years ago, subsequent evolution can be largely summarized as the diversification of physiological, behavioral, and morphological characteristics among these original 36 body plans. Diversification continues to this day and can be seen in humans as differences in coloration, lactose metabolism, and energy storage in fat tissue. As all animal characteristics are products of development, a key challenge for contemporary research is to reveal the ways in which development evolves through changes in the uses of genes. To meet this challenge, investigations must prioritize characteristics: that have recently evolved, the direction of character evolution is known, and for which the underlying genes can be studied by modern genetic manipulations. One ideal trait is the diverse coloration patterns observed on the abdominal tergites of fruit fly species from the Sophophora subgenus. Prior research has supported a scenario where melanic pigmentation limited to the male abdomen evolved once within this clade through the evolution of a sexually dimorphic pattern of expression for the bric-à-brac transcription factor genes. My research challenges this scenario by looking at the patterns of pigmentation on the abdomens of species representing the diverse Sophophora species groups and interrogating the patterns of bric-à-brac expression during the development of the abdominal tergites. Success in this work will advance the fruit fly pigmentation model as exemplar of how diversity evolves through the re-working of developmental mechanisms.

Role of Dpp signaling pathway in promoting survival of retinal neurons in Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES STUDENTS Neha Gogia, Jason N Kleppel, Ankita Sarkar ADVISORS Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure to date. One cause of Alzheimer’s neuropathy is the generation of Amyloid-beta-42 (Aß42) aggregates that trigger cell death by unknown mechanisms. Using a transgenic Drosophila eye model misexpressing human Aß42, we observed the AD-like neuropathy. In a forward genetic screen we have identified Decapentaplegic (Dpp), a morphogen, as one of the genetic modifiers of Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration. Dpp acts as the ligand for the Dpp pathway, which exhibits suppression of retinal neuron’s cell death. The Dpp signaling pathway involves several key components. We examined the Dpp signaling pathway and its members in modifying Aß42 mediated neuropathy. We have demonstrated that upregulating Dpp signaling pathway, by misexpressing Dpp (using UAS dpp) and Thickveins (using UAS tkv) can rescue Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration. The number of dying cells marked with TUNEL staining was also reduced and the axonal targeting was restored from the retina to the brain, which was marked by 24B10 staining. We will test the role of Dpp signaling in Aß42 plaques mediated neurodegeneration. Furthermore, we will analyze, if these modifiers act independent and/or parallel of each other or whether they have a linear relationship in triggering neurodegenerative response due to accumulation of Aß42. The results from our studies will be presented.

Role of Relish/NFkB Apoptosis Pathway in Amyloid-beta 42 Mediated Neurodegeneration inAlzheimer’s Disease College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Steven G Borchers, Neil William Glenn, Neha Gogia ADVISORS Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Alzheimer’s disease (hereafter AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which affects the cognitive functions of the patients. This disease does not have a cure at this point. One of the reasons for the manifestation of AD is the accumulation of amyloid-beta-42 (Aß42) plaques. Several animal models have been developed to study AD. We have developed a Drosophila eye model where human Aß42 is misexpressed in the differentiating eye, which triggers neuronal death in the retinal neurons of the eye. Our lab has identified that a soy based protein, Lunasin, can be employed to block Aß42 mediated cell death. Lunasin is known to block inflammation through downregulating the NFkB pathway. This pathway leads to the translation of apoptotic proteins included in the jun-N Terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway. We have developed transgenic flies which can produce both (human Aß42 and soy protein Lunasin) in the Drosophila eye protein. These flies have normal eyes as Lunasin blocks Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration. I want to test how Lunasin prevents neuronal death observed in our Aß42 accumulation model in Drosophila eye. I propose to genetically change the activity of NFKB pathway kinases Relish and Cactus in transgenic flies where we have introduced human Aß42 and Lunasin. I have generated transgenic and mutant flies which can be used for gain- of-function as well loss-of-function of these pathway members to observe their effect on Aß42 neurodegenerative phenotype. I will observe these interactions at three developmental time points of larval eye imaginal disc, pupal retina and the adult eye. By the end of the twelve-week program, I expect to have significant amount of data to address this hypothesis and generate new insight into the mechanism by which Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration occurs in AD. These studies will have significant bearing on use of NFKB members as biomarkers or druggable targets for AD in future.

Study of the Interaction between the Wg and JNK Pathways in the RAS Scribble Tumors College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Michelle L Borchers ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Multiple signaling pathways function simultaneously in multicellular organisms. The Hippo pathway consists of a signaling cascade that maintains organ growth by suppressing the transcriptional co-activator Yorkie. The Wg and JNK pathways help control cell growth and can be manipulated to create tumors in organisms. Normal cells promote growth and repair damage. Unfortunately, 90% of human cancers have accumulation of mutations activating oncogenes and loss of tumor suppressor genes. When these changes occur together, cells cannot repair themselves. I want to understand these pathways more in order to gain insight to which genes are important for the pathway. Multiple nodes make up the Wg and the JNK pathways, so the discovery of their effect on tumor growth will help determine which nodes are essential for the pathways. Four experiments will be set up to test the importance of these nodes in Drosophila. This project aims gain a better understanding of the role of Wg pathway components in the growth and progression of cancer using epithelial tumor models in Drosophila. Given the conservation of genetics and biological processes our studies in flies can be extrapolated to human cancer as well.

Temporal Distribution of L-Dopa-Containing Proteins Involved in Oyster Shell Formation College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES STUDENTS Benjamin N Schmeusser ADVISORS Douglas C Hansen, Karolyn M Hansen LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Marine bivalve organisms such as Crassostrea virginica (eastern oyster) produce structural proteins that are critical in adhesive strategies and shell biomineralization. The unique properties of these proteins derive from the amino acid composition. L-3,4dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa), which is a unique key amino acid in the cross-linking of these proteins, can be considered a biomarker for identification and localization of shell formation proteins. The focus of this research was to determine the distribution of L-dopa-containing proteins involved in the process of biomineralization in the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Three organismal compartments were identified as sources of L-dopa protein pre-cursors: hemocytes, cell-free hemolymph, and mantle tissue. Hemolymph was harvested from the adductor muscle of notched oysters and hemocytes were subsequently collected via hemolymph centrifugation. Mantle tissue was collected from either side of the notch area, as well as the anterior portion. The product of repair, nascent shell deposited in the notch, was collected from the notch site at discrete time points post-notching. Amino acid composition was determined via anion exchange HPLC with pulsed amperometric detection. L-dopa concentration was related to the time since notching: we have preliminary information that indicated a higher level of L-dopa concentration in hemocytes 24-28 hours post notching and in hemolymph at 96 hours post notching, indicating an induction of resources for notch repair. L-dopa was found in higher levels in nascent repair shell and declined as the shell aged indicating protein cross-linking. These data support the premise that L-dopa-containing proteins are involved in oyster shell formation and that they are distributed among several components and products within the system.

The Regulatory Role of Pravastatin™ in the Venous Shear Stress Dependent Induction of Aquaporin 1 Protein Expression in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells in vitro. College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Raphael J Crum ADVISORS Carissa M Krane LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Background: Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane water channels that facilitate osmotically-driven water flux. AQP1 is expressed in vascular endothelium. AQP1 protein abundance is enhanced in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in response to fluid shear stress. The cholesterol-lowering statin drugs have been shown to regulate the expression of specific AQPs by altering their abundance and/or subcellular localization. Therefore, it is hypothesized that AQP1 may function as a component of the mechanosensory complex in endothelial cells, and therefore, is subject to shear-stress induced gene regulation and modulation of expression by statins.Methods: HUVECs were cultured under static (0 dynes/cm2) and venous fluid shear stress (6 dynes/ cm2) in the presence or absence of 5 µM Pravastatin™. Fluorescent immunocytochemistry was used to detect AQP1 protein expression. Images were captured using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Mean fluorescent intensity (in arbitrary units) of AQP1immunofluorescence was determined using ImageJ software, and normalized to control conditions (time zero, static culture with no Pravastatin™). 25-30 cells from two independent experiments were analyzed for each experimental condition.Results: AQP1 immunofluorescence increased 1.3-fold (p<0.05) after 24 hours, and 1.7-fold (p<0.05) after 48 hours in cells cultured under venous fluid shear as comparted to the control. This shear stress-induced expression was blocked by incubation with Pravastatin™ (p>0.05; control vs. venous shear with Pravastatin™). Pravastatin™ had no effect on AQP1 immunofluorescence in static cultures (p>0.05 vs. control). These data indicate that Pravastatin™ prevents shear stress induction of AQP1 in cultured HUVECs. Conclusions: The results presented show that the shear stress induction of AQP1 protein expression is prevented by Pravastatin™. These results further demonstrate a possible tissue-independent function of statin drugs in regulating the expression of AQPs in general and specifically a potential cardioprotective benefit of statins, independent of their cholesterol-lowering function, related to the regulation of AQP1 in vascular endothelial cells.

The Role of M1BP in Eye Development of Drosophila melanogaster College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Neha Gogia, Ankita Sarkar, Evan J Wypasek ADVISORS Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00

Many genes in the Drosophila melanogaster have Pol II paused at the promoter proximal region, because the binding of either the GAGA factor or the Motif 1 binding protein (M1BP). M1BP resides on chromosome 2 of Drosophila melanogaster and directs a distinct transcriptional mechanism evolved from the TATA box. M1BP is highly conserved across the species and encodes a 55kDa protein containing five C2H2 zinc-fingers domains. A battery of highly conserved genes regulates drosophila eye development. Based on high throughput studies, it has been suggested that M1BP may regulate gene expression during Drosophila eye development, but its exact role is unknown. Our aim is to study the role of M1BP during eye development. We have used Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) marker to identify intended regions to be expressed. This GFP marker has expressed the dorsal, ventral, morphogenetic furrow and the entire eye. This aim is further focused with absence of M1BP being produced in the stock fly and then focusing on the phenotype and genotype when crossed with another set of flies that have a suppression in development of some aspect of the eye. We found that absence of M1BP function in dorsal and ventral eye margins results in the suppression of eye fate. This suppression of

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES eye fate was found when both the dorsal and ventral margins were expressed, along with a suppression of eye fate when the dorsal and ventral regions were expressed separately. The absence of M1BP also led to the suppression of the gene from the complete eye, giving us a head loss phenotype. This head loss phenotype shows the destruction and absence of photoreceptors in the developmental stages of the eye.

Transcriptional regulation of dronc by the Hippo pathway. College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Karishma S Gangwani, Kirti Snigdha ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh, Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The growth regulatory Hippo pathway maintains tissue homeostasis by tightly regulating cell proliferation and cell death. This key pathway is conserved between humans and fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), and misexpression of this pathway is linked to cancer. The core components of the pathway include two kinases Hippo (Hpo) and its target Warts (Wts) and the transcriptional co-activator Yorkie (Yki). When the pathway is active, Hippo (Hpo) along with Wts bring about phosphorylation of Yki which leads to cell death. Yki acts in an activator complex by associating with Scalloped (Sd) to regulate target genes. Inactivation of hpo leads to overgrowth due to activation of cell cycle and cell proliferation genes such as Cyclin E, A, B, D, and diap1; and downregulation of caspases of the apoptotic pathway like dronc and drice which ensures that cells/tissues overproliferate on pathway downregulation. These Yki mediated regulatory interactions are thought to promote tumor growth. Previous work from our lab has shown that the Hippo pathway transcriptionally downregulates dronc- this is an important but underexplored aspect of Hippo signaling as till date dronc is the only negatively regulated transcriptional target of the Hippo pathway. To induce cell death, Dronc activates caspase-3 (Drice) that leads to formation of the apoptosome complex. When Yki levels are low inside the nucleus there is an increase of Dronc expression and vice versa, however, it is unknown if Yki directly regulates dronc expression during Hippo signaling. We hypothesize that Yki functions both as an activator and a repressor simultaneously. To test this, we will express transgenic constructs expressing different sequences of the Dronc promoter to find which sequences are required for Yki mediated dronc repression. We are also investigating the transcription factors/repressors that may associate with Yki to mediate its repressive activity. Here we present our findings from these studies.

Two clone system to study cell-cell communication between wild-type and amyloi-beta 42 plaque forming cells in Alzheimer’s disease. College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Jordan C Dubbs, Sean A Kelly, Nilan Mani, Ankita Sarkar ADVISORS Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the miscleavage of the Amyloid precursor protein (APP). When the APP protein is properly cleaved it forms Aß40 protein, and when it is improperly cleaved it forms the Aß42 protein that is 2 extra amino acids long. This causes the formation of plaques within the neuron cells and leads to cell death and ultimately large scale changes in the brain tissue. We have designed a genetic system where we have combined strength of FLP/FRT system with the Gal4/ UAS –system to target Aß42 cells in the developing retinal neurons of the developing eye. Misexpression of Aß42 results in strong neurodegenerative phenotype. Using our newly developed system we are making two types of clones by FLP FRT mediated recombination where one clone of cells is marked by strong presence of GFP reporter and express high levels of Aß42 whereas the other clone of cells which are marked by the absence GFP are wild-type retinal neurons. The purpose of the Two Clone System is to track the progression of Alzheimer and Wild Type cells within the eye imaginal disc of D. melanogaster. The system was developed to see if the rate of progression of Wild Type cells and Alzheimer’s cells would be equal. Furthermore, using markers for various signaling pathways we will test if there is a signal emanating from Aß42 expressing cells that trigger neurodegeneration. The results from these studies will be presented.

Understanding the Effects of Propionic Acid on Listeria monocytogenes Growth, Survival, and Virulence. College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Elizabeth A Abrams, Kaitlin E Beemiller, Eric Edward Newton, Erica Rinehart, Nathan C Wallace ADVISORS Yvonne Sun LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial pathogen that causes foodborne gastrointestinal illnesses. In the absence of a strong immune system, Listeria can cause fatal infection by breaking the intestinal wall and spreading to other organs. Therefore, prevention of fatal infections relies on blocking Listeria from adhering to the intestinal wall. My work focused on understanding how propionate, a natural intestinal acid in healthy individuals, affects Listeria’s ability to grow and cause disease. We first conducted growth curves in BHI and found that propionate supplementations with concentrations up to 25mM resulted in a small decrease in in vitro growth under

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In contrast, using hemolytic assays, we found that propionate supplementation resulted in a significant increase in listeriolysin O (LLO) supernatant activity after anaerobic growth, but a significant decrease in LLO supernatant activity after aerobic growth. To further determine the effect of propionate on Listeria pathogenesis, we infected RAW264.7 macrophages with Listeria grown aerobically or anaerobically, with or without propionate supplementations. Our results showed that compared to aerobically grown Listeria, anaerobically grown Listeria exhibited significantly higher intracellular CFUs during early infection time points, but lower intracellular CFUs during later time points. Supplementation of propionate during Listeria in vitro growth did not impact intracellular growth. Finally, we tested the hemolytic ability and intracellular growth of environmental Listeria isolates and saw results mimicking those of our lab strain. Together, our results suggest that Listeria is capable of growth with high levels of propionate but likely adapts to propionate differently depending on the presence or absence of oxygen. Further research is being conducted to test for protective effects of propionate on mammalian cells by treating the cells with propionate prior to infection. We hope to fully understand the extent of influence propionate has on host-pathogen interactions.

Understanding the Repopulation of Glioblastoma in Drosophila Melanogaster Model System College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Leah D Bullock, Kirti Snigdha ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh, Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common form of malignant brain tumors, accounting for about 52% of all primary brain tumors. Patients diagnosed with GBM typically die within a few months after diagnosis. Upon initial diagnosis of GBM, standard treatment consists of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. GBM has an unfavorable diagnosis due to the high rates of tumor recurrence. The cause of the repopulation of the tumor after treatment is currently unknown. Therefore there is a need to create a simple model system to study the repopulation of GBM. We have created a simple glioma model in Drosophila melanogaster to study the effects of X-ray radiation on tumor size and repopulation of the tumor. We generated the glioma model by suppressing Pten while overexpressing oncogene RasV12 in glial cells of the fly brain to induce tumor. Flies with genotype UASPten RNAi;UASRasV12; Repo Gal4 UASGFP developed aggressive brain tumors and failed to survive to the adult stage. To model repopulation, we standardized the X-ray dosage. We observed that after exposing the 1st instar larvae to 3.5 gy X-ray, there was a significant reduction in tumor size in the larvae compared to the unexposed samples. This revealed effects of X-ray radiation on tumor; however there was still excess of glial population after X-ray treatment as seen in human gliomas too. Hence we have effectively established a glioma repopulation model. We are now looking into the mechanistic details of why X-ray radiation causes reduction in tumor and why repopulation of tumor cells occurs after treatment. Here we report our recent findings. Since most of the signaling pathways are conserved from flies to mammals, these findings can be utilized in other model systems and in humans and opens new avenues for glioma treatment.

Understanding the role of receptor tyrosine kinase in Glioblastoma using Drosophila Melanogaster model system College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Minh T Ho, Kirti Snigdha ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is one the most aggressive form and lethal form of brain tumors. Every year thousands of new cases are reported with a very poor prognosis. High lethality of GBM can be attributed to its recurrence after treatment, cause of which is currently unknown. Recent studies have identified few key signaling pathway components which are modified in the GBM. . These transmembrane proteins are apical of several interconnected signaling cascades. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/mTOR) signaling is elevated in ~88% of all glioblastoma due to suppression of PTEN. It is predicted that PI3K signaling contributes to therapy resistance in GBM cell lines due to its role in motility and proliferation. Along with the activated RAS from mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway , PI3K-mTOR signaling pathways control cell survival, differentiation, proliferation, metabolism, and motility in response to extracellular cues. Overexpression of activated RAS has been reported in multiple cases of GBM. Growth factor receptors that regulate RAS like Receptor tyrosine kinases are also often overexpressed by mutations in many different cancers, including glioblastoma. We hypothesize that receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) affect the GBM growth by interacting with PI3K/mTOR and RAS/MAPK pathway and could be a possible target for GBM therapy. Since most of the signaling pathways are conserved from flies to mammals we have created a simple glioma model in Drosophila melanogaster to study this interaction. We generated the glioblastoma model by suppressing Pten while overexpressing oncogene RasV12 in glial cells of the fly brain to induce tumor. Flies with genotype UASPtenRNAi UASRasV12; Repo Gal4 UASGFP developed aggressive brain tumors and failed to survive to the adult stage. We will downregulate receptor tyrosine kinases like ALK and SEV in this glioblastoma model and evaluate its effect on growth and repopulation of glioblastoma. Here we report our recent findings.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Understanding the role of Wingless (Wg) signaling pathway in Amyloid-beta 42 (Aß42) mediated neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Ankita Sarkar ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh, Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a common form of dementia and an age related progressive neurodegenerative disorder, manifests as memory loss and reduced cognitive ability. One of the hallmarks of AD is formation of the Amyloid-beta 42 (hereafter Aß42) plaques, which triggers oxidative stress due to aberrant signaling and finally results in the death of neurons. However, the exact mechanism causing cell death is still not well understood. We misexpressed high levels of human Aß42 protein in the developing fly retina, which mimics AD like neuropathology. In a forward genetic screen, we identified members of highly conserved Wingless (Wg) signaling pathway as modifiers of the Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration. Misexpression of negative regulator of Wg like Shaggy kinase (sgg) or a dominant negative form of Drosophila T-cell factor (dTCFDN5) or blocking Wg transport specifically by downregulating Porcupine (using porcupineRNAi) rescued Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration by reducing the number of dying cells and restoring the axonal targeting from the retina to the brain. In order to determine the role of Wg in early vs late onset of AD, we have modulated our transgenic expression system to activate at different time points and will assess whether Wg is activated in all stages. It is also known that Wg induces cell death in the early eye developmental stage of Drosophila. We therefore want to understand by what mechanism and in which cells the Wg signaling is triggering cell death, whether it’s the Aß42 misexpressing cells or the neighboring wild type cells. In order to approach this question we have developed a two clone system in our lab to understand the crosstalk between the two cell populations. We have shown that the wild type neighboring cells are undergoing cell death compared to the Aß42 misexpressed cells. Data from the experiments will be presented.

Understanding tumor metastasis in Drosophila Melanogaster model system College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Oscar A Barnes, Kirti Snigdha ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Cancer can be described as the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in an organism’s body, which occurs when the normal control systems in the body are malfunctioning. This produces a mass of the continually growing cells called a tumor. However, during tumor progression, the cancer cells through blood vessels migrate from the primary site of origin to secondary site where they affect another organ. This spreading of the cancer cells is called metastasis and makes treatment of cancer so difficult. Hence it is highly necessary to understand how the tumor metastasis happens and what is the role of normal cell in this process. Drosophila melanogaster commonly known as fruit fly has served as a useful model organism because of its well understood genome, availability of genetic tools and many evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways. Our understanding of the mechanisms regulating cell growth, differentiation and development has been considerably advanced by studies in Drosophila. Ras genes are associated with cell proliferation and overexpression of Ras protein leads to benign tumor in developing flies. Studies showed that suppressing cell polarity genes like Scrib induced neoplastic tumors. To model metastatic tumor, we co-activated the oncogene RasV12 and loss of polarity gene ScribRNAi in the wing imaginal disc. We used the UAS-GAL4 system to create the mutation in only few cells that will become invasive while remaining cells are normal in their genetic makeup. We hypothesize that these non-mutated normal cells and mutated cells interact among each other through signaling pathways to promote the tumor metastasis. To evaluate this we study the changes the key signaling pathways and metastatic markers like JNK, MMP1, Eiger through immunohistochemistry. We present our recent findings on this.

Understanding tumor metastasis in Drosophila Melanogaster model system College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES polarity genes like Scrib induced neoplastic tumors. To model metastatic tumor, we co-activated the oncogene RasV12 and loss of polarity gene ScribRNAi in the wing imaginal disc. We used the UAS-GAL4 system to create the mutation in only few cells that will become invasive while remaining cells are normal in their genetic makeup. We hypothesize that these non-mutated normal cells and mutated cells interact among each other through signaling pathways to promote the tumor metastasis. To evaluate this we study the changes the key signaling pathways and metastatic markers like JNK, MMP1, Eiger through immunohistochemistry. We present our recent findings on this.

Using novel Fly-FUCCI system to evaluate tumor growth and progression College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Kirti Snigdha, Mitchell L Stanley ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh, Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The FUCCI system (fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator) has been proven to be a promising approach for in vivo studies of cell proliferation. Using Drosophila-specific FUCCI system (Fly-FUCCI) allows one to distinguish between G1, G2, and S phases. Fly-FUCCI relies on fluorochrome-tagged degrons, which are degraded during mitosis or the onset of S phase, respectively. Fly-FUCCI allows one to track cell-cycle patterns in cultured Drosophila cells, eye and wing imaginal discs, salivary glands, the adult midgut, and other tissues. The FUCCI system can be utilized with Drosophilacancerous tissues to identify when tumor growth is most prominent or suppressed during cell cycles. This information can be used to understand the starting stages of cancer within cells, what stages of cell proliferation are necessary for tumor growth, and how the nutrient growth of normal cells compares to the grow cancerous cells. The Fly-FUCCI system is an invaluable tool for visualizing cell-cycle activity duringdevelopment, tissue homeostasis, and abnormal cell development. In the lab, Drosophila melanogaster is used to understand the intricacies of cancer biology using genetically induced tumors in the different imaginal discs and brain. Using Fly-FUCCI system, allows one to evaluate the cell cycle differences during the tumor growth and progression. Here are the present finding on utilization of this technique to evaluate tumor cell cycle regulation

Water Chemistry, Biotic Factors and Their Effects on the Populations of Zooplankton and Phytoplankton in Silver Lake in New Carlisle, Ohio Compared to selected Ohio Lakes and Reservoirs College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Jacob J Clancy ADVISORS Patrick K Williams LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The chemical makeup of a body of water can vary greatly depending on what kind of lake it is, the time of year and what kind of runoff enters the water. There are many abiotic factors that make up the water chemistry of a lake such as nutrient availability (Nitrogen and Phosphorous), pH, temperature, oxygen content and conductivity. Each of these factors plays important roles in the successes of many organisms that reside in the lake. The many species of zooplankton and phytoplankton thrive in different water chemistry conditions. Water chemistry and physical parameters (pH, conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen) will be measured with YSI Electronic Probe. Secchi disk and an electronic light meter will assess light penetration in the water column that is crucial to photosynthesis. Nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorous, will be sampled and sent to a lab for measurement. Phytoplankton and zooplankton species will be identified and quantified for productivity studies, ecological succession and community biodiversity. Water chemistry and its relationship to the zooplankton and phytoplankton populations of Silver Lake will be measured in the spring and fall of 2016 to assess seasonal changes in relation to chemical and environmental factors. Silver Lake has had no prior limnology studies conducted on it, so it is a novel system for this kind of study. This study can be used to compare it to other lakes, rivers and reservoirs in Ohio such as Lake Erie and Grand Lake St. Mary’s that have all had harmful algal bloom problems in the past.

Why is nature able to mold some phenotypes more readily than others? Investigating the evolutionary constraint of ß2 tubulin in Drosophila melanogaster College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Sarah R Golconda ADVISORS Mark G Nielsen LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 While some traits may be able to evolve freely, others may need to await a change in a second trait before they can change themselves. The testis specific beta-2 (ß2) tubulin protein, a fundamental component of Drosophila spermtail axonemes, has not evolved in over 60 million years and may exemplify this phenomenon. This study aims to examine what type of evolutionary constraint this protein is experiencing. Previous studies have shown substitutions of the paralogous (related by gene duplication) beta-1 tubulin gene for ß2 tubulin disrupts the structure rendering it unable to support reproduction. Here, the substitution of an ortholog, theß2

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES tubulin gene in a different species which performs the same function, will be examined to see if it can produce a functional sperm in Drosophila melanogaster. Comparing the D. melanogaster ß2 tubulin 446 amino acid sequence to various species, the closest relative to D. melanogaster to show a differing sequence was the tsetse fly (Glossina morsitans) which differs in 17 amino acid sites. To determine if tsetse ß2 tubulin could replace D. melanogaster ß2 tubulin, the tsetse ß2 tubulin gene was amplified by PCR, cloned into vectors, and injected in D. melanogaster embryos to be expressed in the spermtail. Its ability to function in place of D. melanogaster ß2 will be tested by fertility tests, and viewed under transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy to observe structural similarities and defects from this substitution. If tsetse ß2 produces a functional sperm, this could suggest nature is constantly selecting a particular sequence even though other sequences may work, an example of stabilizing selection. Or, if a defective sperm is produced, we can infer co-evolution. Additional changes in the axoneme occurred that allow it to function in G. morsitans but not D. melanogaster.

Ecdysone (Ec) signaling pathway activation can block Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Neha Gogia, Lydia C Payton, Matthew Richard Riccetti, Ankita Sarkar ADVISORS Madhuri Kango-Singh, Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 311, 1:00-1:20 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative condition that affects nearly 44 million people worldwide with no proper early detection methods or cures to date, but promising molecular genetic evidence is arising from studying the development of nervous tissue in model organisms like Drosophila melanogaster. In order to better understand the mechanism, we misexpressed human Aß42, the causal pathological agent of AD, in the eye of Drosophila. This stable transgenic line results in GMR-GAL4 driven UAS-amyloid-beta (GMR>Aß42) mediated cell death in the eyes of nearly 100% flies at 29°C. We identified the Ecdysone signaling pathway as a modifier of Aß42-mediated neurodegeneration. The Ecdysone (Ecd) signaling pathway has been shown to modulate Hippo transcriptional activity in imaginal disc cells. The Ecd coactivator Taiman (Tai) forms a unique transcriptional complex with the Hippo transcription factor Yki, altering expression of canonical Hippo targets and inducing transcription of germline stem cell factors in regions that have already differentiated. We proposed to a) Investigate if the Ecd pathway can trigger cell proliferation machinery through induction of stem cell factors, and b) to investigate if the Ecd pathway can block cell death machinery. Our data suggests that upregulation of the Yki-Tai transcription complex constituents does not induce germ cell-like growth in the GMR domain as is typically seen in Yki hyperactivity, but reduces apoptotic-mediated cell death. We found that Taiman upregulation leads to increased expression of canonical Hippo target Diap1, which subsequently blocks activity of the pro-apoptotic proteins Hid and Caspase-3, rescuing Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration in our Drosophila eye model. Ecdysone and Hippo signaling pathways have not previously been identified as modifiers of neurodegeneration; our results show that activation of this unique Ecd/Hippo transcriptional program has significant bearings on disease pathology and may serve as a novel protein interaction network for AD therapeutics in the future.

Establishing the role of redox homeostasis in Listeria monocytogenes anaerobic virulence regulation College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Nathan C Wallace, Ashley N Zani ADVISORS Yvonne Sun LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 211, 1:20-1:40 Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobe and the causative agent of listeriosis in humans. As a saprophyte and enteric pathogen Listeria must adapt and respond to varying levels of oxygen. Yet, it remains unclear what effect suboxic conditions have on Listeria pathogenesis. We have observed that anaerobically grown bacteria have a significantly higher NAD+: NADH ratio than in aerobically grown bacteria. Moreover, we did not detect any activity of catalase, an enzyme catalyzing the degradation of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen, in anaerobically grown bacteria. These observations led to our hypothesis that during anaerobic growth, Listeria may be experiencing oxidative stress. We further hypothesized that this increase in oxidative stress may be a signal that leads to modulation of virulence related genes. To test our hypothesis, we quantified the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using ROS-sensitive fluorescence probes and determined the effects of exogenous hydrogen peroxide, an example of ROS, on metabolism and virulence factor production. Using fluorescence intensity as a readout, we observed that anaerobically grown Listeria containing higher levels of ROS compared to aerobically grown Listeria. Using a hemolytic assay and a modified Vogues-Proskauer assay, we showed that the supplementation of hydrogen peroxide in overnight cultures led to a decrease in aerobic production of LLO and a decrease in aerobic production of acetoin. These results confirm the presence of oxidative stress under anaerobic conditions and support a role of redox homeostasis in Listeria metabolism and virulence regulation.

Lunasin Mediated Neuronal Rescue in Drosophila Alzheimer’s Model College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Oral Presentation - Independent Research

STUDENTS Neil William Glenn, Neha Gogia, Ankita Sarkar

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES ADVISORS Amit Singh LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 311, 1:20-1:40 The progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a complex system of neurodegenerative factors that result in the loss of brain tissue and function. One of the classic hallmarks of AD is the accumulation of Amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques are formed from the improper cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) resulting in extracellular hydrophobic peptides of varying lengths. These peptides congregate in plaques that surround neuronal cells and inhibit their function. This incites an immune response that is prolonged by the inability of microglial clearance of the plaques. The extended activation of microglia in the brain results in high levels of cytokine and chemokine production, which is a possible source of further damage to tissue due to aberrant signaling and oxidative stress. The effects of the Amyloid protein are modeled through misexpression of the Amyloid Beta-42 protein in the developing photoreceptor neurons of the fruit fly resulting in an aggressive neurodegenerative phenotype. We propose by introducing a known anti-inflammatory protein, Lunasin, into our disease model we can further understand the role of inflammation in AD neuropathology. Here we present the findings of our studies.

Dissecting the sex-specific neuromolecular effects of ketamine in the female brain College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Connor F Thelen ADVISORS Pothitos Pitychoutis LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 311, 1:40-2:00 Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite the prevalence of this disease, the current pharmacotherapies available to treat it are ineffective and slow acting. Recently, it was discovered that just a single dose of the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine was able to rapidly (within hours) attenuate depressive-like symptoms in both treatment resistant depressed patients and in animal models of depression. Published and preliminary studies from our lab have focused on the sex-specific response to this novel antidepressant in mice and have collectively shown significant differences between males and females in response to both acute and repeated ketamine treatments. The predicted mechanism underlying ketamine’s antidepressant actions involves enhancement of synaptic protein synthesis and spine formation following a glutamate burst in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Herein, we sought to dissect the temporal neurochemical and synaptic molecular effects of ketamine in the female mouse brain following a single dose of ketamine (10mg/kg). Overall, our findings revealed that both glutamate release and synaptic protein levels were indeed altered in a sex-specific manner at various time-points following ketamine administration. All together, our data suggest that either the PFC is not as important in mediating the female antidepressant response to ketamine, or there is perhaps a female-specific molecular pathway underlying ketamine’s therapeutic effects.

Exploring novel calcium circuits in the mouse brain College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Aikaterini Britzolaki ADVISORS Pothitos Pitychoutis LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 311, 2:00-2:20 Calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis in the brain is critical for cell function and survival. Alterations in the intracellular Ca2+ signaling have been associated with neuronal cell death, impaired long-term potentiation (LTP), as well as deficits in learning and memory processes. Subsequently, cerebral Ca2+ imbalances are linked to a variety of debilitating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases whose underlying molecular mechanisms are still elusive. Our lab focuses on understanding the regulatory mechanisms that orchestrate central Ca2+ handling. Extensive studies have attempted to unveil the Ca2+ handling pathways in the brain, and have revealed that Ca2+ flow in and out of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is very critical in maintaining cellular Ca2+ homeostasis. We have recently identified a novel ER-related Ca2+ regulatory protein that is expressed in the brain and we are trying to understand its function. This player is expressed at the mRNA level in several brain regions in the mouse; of note, all these regions are greatly implicated in the regulation of critical cognitive processes. Herein, we will present behavioral, neuropharmacological and neurochemical data that pinpoint the importance of this newly discovered Ca2+ handling player in the brain.

Temporal stability of woody aboveground biomass is enhanced with increasing diversity in a subtropical Taiwan forest College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Julia I Chapman, Jyh-Min Chiang (Tunghai University, Taiwan) ADVISORS Ryan W McEwan LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 211, 2:00-2:20 The stability of an ecosystem, its ability to withstand perturbation without a major change in ecosystem function, is thought to be dependent on biodiversity. High levels of diversity can buffer an ecosystem against the impacts of species loss because the

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES remaining species can compensate for any loss of function. Our study focused on the relationship between diversity and the stability of forest carbon storage (woody biomass production), an important ecosystem function for its potential role in mitigating anthropogenic climate change. In a subtropical broadleaved Taiwan forest, all woody stems were tagged, identified to species, and measured (diameter) across 625 quadrats in 2004, 2009, and 2014. We calculated the coefficient of variation in aboveground biomass (CV AGB) and the change in coarse woody productivity (delta CWP) to serve as measures of ecosystem stability. Linear regression was used to test for relationships between these stability metrics and species richness, Shannon diversity, functional richness, and function dispersion. Overall, we found that diversity was weakly related to temporal stability of woody biomass production. The stability of aboveground biomass was greater in quadrats that had higher mean species richness (R2 =0.005, P = 0.0488) and mean Shannon diversity (R2 =0.015, P = 0.0011) through time. Functional richness was not significantly related to AGB stability (P = 0.18), but high functional dispersion in 2009 corresponded with greater AGB stability (R2 =0.03, P < 0.0001). Our other stability metric, delta CWP, did not show any significant relationships with diversity. Visual inspection of these data via scatterplot revealed a wide range of temporal variability in AGB and CWP at low levels of diversity. This pattern is consistent with the diversity-stability hypothesis, but further analyses are needed to understand how other factors, such as topography, soil properties, and typhoon disturbance, are influencing with diversity-stability relationships at this site.

Seeing the forest and the stream: riparian invasion by the exotic shrub Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) impacts terrestrial-to-aquatic subsides College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Erin C Rowekamp ADVISORS Ryan W McEwan LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 211, 2:20-2:40 Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is an invasive species that has been shown to have detrimental effects on many terrestrial systems. However, little research has been done on how cross boundary subsidies such as leaves and woody debris are impacted by dense and often overarching Amur honeysuckle invasion in headwater stream riparian zones. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the influence of Amur honeysuckle on organic subsidies to stream systems in southwestern Ohio by measuring these subsidies in streams experiencing a gradient of Amur honeysuckle invasion, from heavily invaded sites to sites where honeysuckle was absent. Leaf litter collection baskets were established in the riparian zone of five, 30-meter reach headwater streams. Additionally, coarse woody debris (>10cm diameter) and fine woody debris (0.5- 9.9 cm diameter) were measured in the terrestrial and aquatic habitats along a gradient of Amur honeysuckle invasion intensity. These data were then used to determine leaf litter and woody debris biomass, so differences in organic subsidy contribution could be examined along the gradient. Statistical analysis is ongoing. The results of this work have strong potential for influencing management of streams in Ohio and surrounding states where Amur honeysuckle is a problematic invader.

Amur honeysuckle invasion as a driver of ecosystem processes: nutrient dynamics in riparian forests and headwater streams College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Charlotte Anne Shade ADVISORS Kevin Custer, Ryan W McEwan LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 211, 2:40-3:00 The destructive effects of invasive plants are not highlighted as publicly as other environmental issues; however, a burgeoning body of research has proven that certain exotic species have significant impacts on ecosystem function, structure, and biodiversity. For example, Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle) invasion is extensive in forests across much of Ohio and the small streams that meander through many of these forests. These streams are strongly linked, biologically, to the forests, and the invasion of L. maackii has been shown to influence headwater stream organisms. This investigation explores how invasive terrestrial plants affect the nutrient availability across terrestrial-aquatic habitat boundaries. Our focus is specifically on how forest invasion by L. maackii affects nutrient cycling in forests and headwater streams. It can be readily observed that L. maackii creates dense canopies in riparian forests forming arches directly above headwater streams. As L. maackii canopies prevent native organic matter from entering the streams below, while also adding its own organic matter that is high in nitrogen and low in lignin, the amount and types of nutrients present in both forests and streams may be significantly altered from their natural state. We hypothesize that across an invasion gradient there will a measurable gradient in stream chemistry and nutrient concentration. We specifically predict that areas of high L. maackii invasion will be associated with significantly increased concentrations of dissolved carbon and forms of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Seasonal Toxic Effects of Amur Honeysuckle Leaf Leachate on an Aquatic Invertebrate College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis STUDENTS Eric B Borth ADVISORS Ryan W McEwan

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 211, 3:00-3:20 The invasive plant Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle) has caused many negative effects for native vegetation as it spreads through the eastern United States including the loss of biodiversity and alterations in ecosystem function in forests. Many studies focus on effects of Amur honeysuckle invasion on terrestrial habitats, while effects on aquatic habitats have received much less attention. In this set of experiments we aim to improve our understanding how terrestrial invasion of Amur honeysuckle affects aquatic organisms. This will be investigated using the macroinvertebrate Hyalella azteca, a standard “model” aquatic organism used to assess toxicity in flowing waters (streams and rivers), to reveal effects that Amur honeysuckle may have on aquatic macroinvertebrates. Based on preliminary data, it was hypothesized that Amur honeysuckle leachate would have negative effects on the survival of H. azteca. In the lab, H. azteca were exposed to riparian honeysuckle leaf leachate (made by soaking 10 g leaves in 100 mL dechlorinated water for 24 h) in 48 h acute, static toxicity tests. This was repeated throughout the growing season. When exposed to an Amur honeysuckle leachate dilution series (6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 100%), H. azteca survival was significantly decreased in all dilutions in the spring and fall trials. However, the summer trials showed no significant decrease in survival in nearly all the dilutions. These results suggest (a) strong toxic effects of Amur honeysuckle foliage on a model aquatic organism that (b) varies throughout the year, potentially in relationship to biochemical changes associated with phenology. Future experiments regarding the chemical composition and toxicity of these leaves should be mindful of the season in which the leaves are gathered. This study supports the importance of management of Amur honeysuckle in headwater stream riparian zones which are particularly vulnerable to perturbations and are increasingly a focus of conservation.

The impact of the non-native invasive shrub Lonicera maackii on sensitive salamander populations in headwater streams College of Arts and Sciences: Biology Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Margaret E Maloney ADVISORS Ryan W McEwan LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 211, 3:20-3:40 Lonicera maackii has dramatically shifted ecosystems across much of the Midwestern USA and has been linked to alterations in riparian zones along headwater streams. The foliage from L.maackii releases water-soluble photochemicals into the ecosystem that have adverse effects on insects, herbivores, and plants. Previous research has demonstrated that L.maackii has negative impact on the growth of several amphibian species; however, little is known about the impact on stream salamanders, which are most common in headwater streams. While qualitative assessments of stream salamanders are a common practice, estimation of population density remains a methodological challenge. Our research goals were to (1) invent a prototype device for quantification of salamander abundance in streams, (2) validate this prototype through field trials across seasons and habitat types, and (3) implement the developed technology to further understanding of salamander presence and abundance along an invasion gradient of L. maackii. We developed a new artificial habitat for sampling salamanders that allows for density calculations. Field trials revealed that this method was superior for estimating salamanders than other methods including the standard Visual Encounter Survey (VES) and allows for estimation of population density This invention is currently being employed to assess stream salamander abundance and richness along a gradient of L.maackii invasion.

Identification of Bacterial Efflux Pump Inhibitors College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Cristian Mantilla ADVISORS Matthew E Lopper LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Bacteria such as Escherichia coli contain efflux pumps (EP) that allow the cell to achieve multi-drug resistance. This phenomenon has been an increasing threat to modern medicine limiting the number of antibiotics available to treat disease. This pump is a tri-partite complex which includes components AcrA, AcrB, and TolC. TolC is a barrel-like protein that spans the bacterial cell’s outer membrane and opens out to the extracellular space. AcrB is a pump that spans the inner membrane and the periplasm. AcrA acts as a bridge that connects TolC to AcrB. Together, they make up the efflux pump which is activated by the proton motive force allowing the cell to expel antibiotics out into the environment, thus keeping the cell from being killed by the antibacterial drugs. To address the multidrug resistance characteristic that these efflux pumps confer on a bacterial cell, we screened a large number of small molecules with the best potential to bind to the tripartite pump and inhibit normal efflux function. After choosing eight of the most promising candidates, we performed efflux assays and tested the ability of the compounds to block efflux of a fluorescent reporter compound, ethidium bromide, from the bacterial cell.

Magnesium Catalyzed Synthesis of Organophosphates College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Emily K Granger, Cori K Young ADVISORS Jeremy Erb

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Synthetic strategies for the construction of phosphorus centered organophoshorus molecules are underdeveloped compared to their carbon-centered cousins. Though the methods for the construction of organophosphate triesters and their derivatives are somewhat limited, they nevertheless have recently found great utility in the pharmaceutical industry. Given that phosphates are commonly used by nature as powerful tools for the regulation of life processes, it is no surprise to find them as key components in many pharmaceuticals.6 It is easy to find phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in reactions that control various aspects of metabolism through phosphate esters or their derivatives. This type of chemistry offers profound control with biomolecules such as proteins (especially kinases), carbohydrates, nucleotides (DNA and RNA), and steroids. As such it is a process that, when controlled, can treat many different types of human ailments such as cancer, contagious diseases like Hepatitis C, AIDS, and the flu

Reaction of Phosphonium Phosphate Ionic Liquids with Iron Substrates College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Joseph Martin Hancock ADVISORS David W Johnson LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 The reactions of several oil soluble phosphonium phosphate ionic liquids with iron substrates were investigated to determine their suitability as lubricant additives. The ionic liquids, dissolved in ester based lubricant base stocks were found to react with metal surfaces to form a phosphorus containing film. Scanning electron microscopy showed the deposition of a layer on the surface and x-ray fluorescence showed that the layer contained phosphorus. Infrared analysis of the film demonstrated the formation of poly phosphate chains on the material. Decomposition products from the ionic liquid were identified by GC-MS.

Study of the Self-Assembly of Positively Charged Porphyrins as a Function of pH and Time College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Gabrielle Nicole Snyder ADVISORS Angela Mammana LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 This study focused mainly on the self-assembly of a cationic porphyrin, meso-trans-di(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)diphenyl porphine (trans-DmPyDPP), in various conditions of pH. We explored both the effect of the change of pH of the solution and the effect of time. We observed that the aggregate formed was dependent not only on the pH but also on the mode used to reach that pH: increasing or decreasing pH affected the stability of these aggregates and their formation. With the introduction of Poly-L-Glutamic Acid to a solution containing trans-DmPyDPP, we observed a bisignate circular dichroism signal (exciton couplet) centered at 443 nm that corresponds to the Soret band of the porphyrin. The highest signals were observed at pH around the pKa of the porphyrin, which was found to be around 3.5. The sign of the porphyrin exciton couplet was correlated to the pH dependent secondary structure of the polymer. As indicated in literature, we observed an alpha helix structure at acidic pH (below pH 3) and a random coil structure at neutral or basic pH. We performed a series of pH titrations, involving small additions of base or acid to raise or lower by small increments the pH of various solutions of the trans-DmPyDPP with and without the polymer. In addition, monitoring the various aggregates with time showed an instability of the aggregate formed at relatively acidic pH with or without the presence of the polymer, and even a strong aggregate with a strong signal did not maintain over time. In order to improve the stability of the aggregate, an anionic porphyrin, Copper meso-Tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine (CuTPPS), was prepared and used to create ternary complexes composed of poly-L-Glu, trans-DmPyDPP and CuTPPS. Initial results showed an improvement of the stability of the aggregate.

Surfactant-Based Self-Assembly Systems that Mimic Spider-Silk Producing Protein Sols College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Course Project, 201710 CHM 304L 01

STUDENTS Rachel R Kessler, Sean D Mahoney ADVISORS Yoon Lee LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Self-assembly is a process in which molecules autonomously form ordered aggregates held together by non-covalent intermolecular forces. Understanding self-assembly is crucial to nanotechnology and is the missing link between the molecular make-up of biological organisms and the spark that perpetuates them, life. For example, self-assembly offers a powerful way to control the complexity and hierarchy of nanoscale materials. Synthetic efforts that allow a delicate structural design of building units play an important role. However, as can be learned from many cellular processes and functions, co-self-assembly using logically chosen additives should be equally effective in designing self-assembly. Here, by applying this concept, we have assembled cationic surfactant-based self-assembly systems that mimic spider-silk producing protein solutions. Our results reveal that these micelle systems stay as a stable clear solution as long as they are kept sealed and undisturbed. When they are exposed to the air or water, the reactivity of the systems is triggered, which assembles the micelles into liquid crystals having a waxy and flexible nature. The overall assembly very much resembles the assembly process that produces spider silk, where the spidroin-based solutions are kept intact inside a spiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES body, but instantly assemble into liquid crystals once they are extruded into the air. Furthermore, we have identified a clear sign of a meta-stable state and the formation of an aqueous two phase system (ATPS), whose reversible phase transitions are driven by the large changes in entropy of the systems. Though initial, these results demonstrate that it is possible to translate the key features of biological self-assembly into artificial self-assembling systems, and possibly create a new class of soft materials.

Two-Step Synthetic Route to BODIPY Dyes for Solar Cell Applications College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS John Connor Quinn ADVISORS Shawn M Swavey LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) are beginning to show great promise as an alternative energy source, but the cost and lack of efficiency of most current dyes remains a problem. A series of BODIPY dyes have been synthesized by a two-step synthetic route to provide a solution. A dipyrrin was formed through the reaction of either napthyl[1,2-c]pyrrole or fluorantho[2,3-c]pyrrole with one of several aromatic aldehydes in a solid state reaction. The resulting dipyrrins were reacted with boron trifluoride to give a series of highly conjugated BODIPY dyes. Upon analyzing the photophysical properties of the dyes with UV-VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy, it was found that using the more highly conjugated fluoranthro[2,3-c]pyrrole to form the dipyrrin core results in a favorable red shift of about 50 nm, as compared to more modest shifts as a result of changing the aldehyde. Cyclic voltametry also demonstrated a stabilization of the LUMO energy of the dyes formed from the more highly conjugated pyrrole. All of the dyes display molar absorptivities greater than 100 000 M−1 cm−1 with photoluminescence quantum efficiencies of 0.5–1.0, and the HOMO and LUMO energies of the dyes further illustrate the suitability of these dyes for use in DSSCs.

UD-Bodipy Fluorophores: A Computational Study College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Anthony M Rose ADVISORS Jeremy Erb, Shawn M Swavey LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) compounds are an exciting class of fluorescent molecules. Several variations on this structure exist in the literature and have been studied extensively by experimental as well as computational methods. Unfortunately, these compounds can be expensive to make and many do not contain optimal properties such as absorbance in the near-IR region of 7001000 nm. Recent efforts in the Swavey laboratory at the University of Dayton (UD) have revealed a new class of these molecules (UD-BODIPY) with quantum efficiencies ~1, making them rare and interesting chromaphores, but still lack the desired absorbance profile. We hypothesize the properties of UD-BODIPY chemicals are related to their structure, but the relationship between structure and activity is not yet fully understood. Several UD-BODIPY’s have been prepared in the laboratory and they all posses an double benzo[e]isoindole core. UD-BODIPYs can be synthesized easily by condensation of different aldehydes to form the more complex fused ring systems. As with any synthesis, it might be faster and more efficient to screen large numbers of UD-BODIPYs in silico before their synthesis is attempted. UD-BODIPY’s will be evaluated through for suitability as fluorescent dyes in biological systems or for use in organic solar cells. We are developing a robust computational method for screening and selecting interesting UD-BODIPY compounds. The goal is to understand the influence of geometry and/or structure changes on the fluorescence performance of these chemicals. We will then use our knowledge to design new UD-BODIPYs.

Determining the structure of the Deinococcus radiodurans nucleoid-associated protein DR0199 by X-ray crystallography College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Meggan A Bridgett ADVISORS Matthew E Lopper LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00

Nucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs) are important for binding, compacting, and organizing bacterial DNA housed in the nucleoid. These proteins are present in numerous bacterial organisms including Deinococcus radiodurans. This organism is closely studied for its unique ability to survive after exposure to DNA damaging conditions. It is believed that NAPs are an important component in the ability to repair DNA after it has been damaged. This study focused on determining the structure of the NAP DR0199 found in Deinococcus radiodurans through protein overexpression, purification, crystallization, and X-ray crystallography. DR0199 crystals achieved successful growth, however the highest resolution of the X-ray crystallography data was 4 Å which was not a high enough resolution for a probable structure to be determined. This study further examined the relationship between the DR0199 NAP and other proteins expressed in the Deinococcus radiodurans organism. Deinococcus radiodurans cultures were exposed to DNA stressing conditions to encourage expression of proteins most likely to function with DR0199. The cells were then lysed and run through a column containing the DR0199 protein, so that proteins whose function allows them to physically interact with DR0199 would bind to the DR0199 protein in the column. Bound proteins were eluted and analyzed by SDS-PAGE.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Light Induced Color Changes in the Purple Protein Bacteriorhodopsin College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Carlie J McGrath ADVISORS Mark B Masthay LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 This research provides new insights into the mechanisms associated with light-induced color changes in the bacteriorhodopsin (BR)-containing halobacterial purple membrane (PM). BR is a purple, 26kDa transmembrane protein which is structurally similar to the human visual proteins rhodopsin and iodopsin. This research focuses on the influences of light scattering and spectral distortions induced by the solvent in which PM is suspended. Varying volume ratios of water and glycerol were used as the solvent for PM samples. A ratio of 60% glycerol:40% water produced spectra with the least scattering, as demonstrated by a low absorbance region (300-420 nm) in the UV-visible absorption spectra and equal intensities of the positive and negative bands in the circular dichroism (CD) spectra. Suspensions of native PM, calcium saturated purple membrane (CSPM) and cation free blue membrane (CFBM) were irradiated with intense 532 nanometer (nm) laser pulses or the 254 nm line from a mercury lamp. During irradiation the absorption and CD spectra were monitored; the spectral changes observed in pure water and glycerol:water suspensions were similar, but faster in pure water. PM, CSPM, and CFBM each produced a UV product with max ~360 nm; each species experienced unique changes in the CD spectra as well. With both the laser and the lamp, the absorption spectra of both PM and CSPM “crossed over” (i.e., the long wavelength edge of the main absorption band shifted bathochromically) during the early stages of irradiation; this “crossing over” was absent in CFBM. PM also underwent a later bathochromic shift of its absorption max with a concomitant purple-to-blue color change—but only with the laser. With both light sources CSPM and CFBM underwent a color loss but no color change. The structural and mechanistic implications of these spectral changes are detailed below.

Preparation, Analysis and Derivatization of Benzo[1,2-d:3,4-d’:5,6-d”] tris(thiazole)-2,5,8-triamine College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Jonathan P Alessi ADVISORS Vladimir A Benin LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Multiple fields are areas of active research where organic materials hold considerable promise, such as thermoelectrics or photovoltaics. In an effort to design and prepare a new system which would exhibit a set of promising features such as high thermal stability, high degree of planarity, rigid skeleton and strong electron accepting properties, we have undertaken the preparation and characterization of benzotrithiazole and its derivatives. Our work has led to a reproducible and scalable protocol for the generation of one particular structure: benzo[1,2-d:3,4-d’:5,6-d”]tris(thiazole)-2,5,8-triamine. We have also conducted further attempts to functionalize this structure, leading to other derivatives of the target compound.

Synthesis And Studies Of Some New Hydrazophosphonates And Azophosphonates College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Jenna P Ladner ADVISORS Vladimir A Benin LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 This research project consisted focused on the synthesis and kinetic studies of phosphonyl hydrazines and azo compounds, all envisioned as potential flame retardants. The presentation focuses on the results of the kinetics studies and conclusions on the thermal stability and reactivity of the investigated structures. We also report the initial efforts in studying the reactivity of the target compounds in Diels-Alder reactions.

Synthesis of bis(quinoxalino) Ligand for the Removal of Transition Metal Contamination College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Alexander J Farmer ADVISORS Judit Beagle LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Transition metal contamination is a constant concern both in the environment and in chemical reaction mixtures. One proposed solution, is the use of perazacrown macrocycles to selectively bind and remove transition metals. The aim of our project was to determine a novel synthesis of bis(quinoxalino) perazacrown macrocycles for use as ligands to bind to transition metals. Our synthesis makes use of protected diamines as opposed to other methods such as high dilution or the use of a metal template. In doing so, we made use of microwave irradiation in order to complete the reactions on a more efficient timescale. The primary challenge

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES that our method encountered was the synthesis of the key intermediate molecule. This proved difficult given the changes in the electronics following the first substitution of protected amine. The synthesis of this molecule was the final product which we were able to produce. In future work, the diamines will be deprotected by catalytic hydrogenation and the resulting product reacted with a free quinoxalino unit. This will give us the synthesis of the final product. The synthesis would then be repeated with four different substituents on the quinoxalino rings and three different diamines on the perazacrown subunit, and the resulting molecules would be tested for transition metal binding properties.

The Effects of Structural Modi cation of the Wing Helix Domain of PriA on Bacterial DNA College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Erich N Auer ADVISORS Matthew E Lopper LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 During a cell’s life it must copy itself or face death. For the cell to form a new copy itmust replicate its DNA, this DNA is the blueprint for the essential components of the cell. The replication process does not always go to completion, which is necessary for the cell to survive, so there are mechanisms to keep the replication process running smoothly. In bacteria, PriA is used to restart replication after damage to the DNA. By looking at the structure of PriA we can start to determine how exactly it works with the damaged DNA to fix it and restart the replication process. Specifically looking at the portion of PriA that attaches to DNA we are attempting to determine why this method of attachment is beneficial to the entire replication process. This is done by modifying the structure of PriA and observing the changes in DNA repair.

Influence of Newspaper Endorsements in the 2016 Presidential Election College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Alexandra R Scherb ADVISORS Chad Painter LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 The purpose of this study is to address the influence of newspaper endorsement on the county level in regards to the 2016 presidential election. I am looking at the newspaper endorsement influence of 346 papers on the vote percentages of their respective counties, and then comparing those to state percentages. That way we can see each newspaper’s specific influence on it’s county. This study is significant because we can start to see if newspaper endorsements are important and influential or not, which could have major ramifications for both politicians and newspapers. If we determined that newspaper endorsements were not important, we could begin to ask what has changed to make them unimportant (for example the change in news consumption). Furthermore, this election could be very out of the ordinary due to extraneous variables, and newspapers might not have had a chance at playing their traditional guiding role in voting choice. Should any of this be the case, there would be a major shift in politics and news as politicians have always relied on mass media for successful politics and mass media has relied on politicians for content.

Journalism Ethics: Bias in Coverage of the Duke Lacrosse Team Sexual Assault Case and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Poster - Course Project, 201710 CMM 337 01

STUDENTS Janine A Costello, Nora E Sullivan ADVISORS Annette M Taylor LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Nora Sullivan considers press coverage of the 2006 rape scandal involving members of Duke University lacrosse team and whether a media bias toward alleged victims led to a rush to judgment and errors in coverage. Her paper explores the ethics involved and how the press could have better reported this case. Janine Costello examines whether bias is evident in press coverage of IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Her paper focuses on ABC News’ misidentification of photos of rubble in Gaza as being in Israel, The failure to verify information about the photo reinforced the preconceived notions that American news outlets are more likely to sympathize with Israel rather than Palestine.

Journalism Ethics: News Coverage of the Trayvon Martin Shooting and Death of Robin Williams College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Poster - Course Project, 201710 CMM 337 01

STUDENTS Dawnn P Fann, Anna Lagattuta Lagattuta ADVISORS Annette M Taylor LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Anna Lagattuta explores how several news organizations used edited versions of 9-1-1 tapes in their coverage of the 2012 shooting of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman, which created a distorted view of the situation. She considers ethical decision-making in selection of facts and what the press should have done in its reporting. Dawnn Fann examines press coverage of the 2011 death of actor/comedian Robin Williams, and whether the reporting adhered to ethical standards of reporting truth while minimizing harm to the surviving family as well as those suffering mental illness. She considers how the press can remain accountable as well as sensitive when reporting on suicides, especially of celebrities.

Journalism Ethics: Stephen Glass and Juan Thompson Fabrication Scandals College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Poster - Course Project, 201710 CMM 337 01

STUDENTS Xi Jin, Christopher M Miller, Qi Wang ADVISORS Annette M Taylor LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Stephen Glass, at the age of 25, was a popular and prolific writer in the 1990s who had stories published in top news magazines including the New Republic, Harper’s and Rolling Stone. Then it was discovered that Glass had plagiarized and fabricated scores of stories. Qi Wang examines the ethical violations and the impact of his transgressions on journalism’s credibility with audiences. Xi Jin also considers Glass’ transgression in light of today’s charges of “fake news” and how adherence to journalism ethics can prevent against such cases in the future. Christopher Miller examines fabrication in journalism through the 2016 case of Juan Thompson, a journalist for The Intercept, who created sources in some of his stories, apparently to promote an agenda of racial and community justice. While his goal was admirable, Thompson violated ethical norms of journalism and his lying destroyed his credibility with audiences.

Journalism Ethics: The Fall of Journalist Jack Kelley and “The Hitler Diaries” Hoax College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Poster - Course Project, 201710 CMM 337 01

STUDENTS Emily P Biery, Annette M Taylor, Elizabeth C Torrance ADVISORS Annette M Taylor LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 The career of Jack Kelley, a longtime USA Today reporter, came to an abrupt end in 2004 when it was discovered that he had fabricated many of his stories. Lizzie Torrance explores the ethical issues involved in the fall of this Pulitzer Prize finalist who once reported on important international events but became better known for violating journalism’s core principles of truthfulness and accuracy. Emily Biery analyzes the systematic failures of verification by German magazine, Der Stern, and several British magazines in the 1983 publication of “The Hitler Diaries,” a series of journals allegedly written by Adolf Hitler that were later concluded to be fabricated by German swindler, Konrad Kujau.

Media Law: Current Issues in Libel & Privacy College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Poster - Course Project, 201710 CMM 432 01

STUDENTS Mason Alexander Dipalma, Melissa Paige Finnegan, Emma E Pierpont ADVISORS Annette M Taylor LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Melissa Finnegan examines libel cases in Ohio and New York courts that have been brought against the press for social media postings and how the law has been evolving in the last decade to deal with the new media landscape. Mason Di Palma examines the libel case brought by Aleksej Gubarev, CEO of XBT Holding, a Luxembourg-based web hosting company, against BuzzFeed for publishing a dossier that alleges compromising information about President Trump. Gubarev was named in the document and alleged that his company helped Russian intelligence services in its hacking operations. DiPalma determines whether Gubarev has a case based on libel law in Florida. Emma Pierpont investigates the rights of the press and public to film on-duty police officers in states within the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Analyzing cases since 2006, Pierpont determines how courts balance rights of privacy and free press, as well as the public interest in transparency in matters of public concern.

Media Law: Limits on Newsgathering

College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Poster - Course Project, 201710 CMM 432 01

STUDENTS Margaret M Bukowski, Emma G Creekbaum, Cari M Zahn ADVISORS Annette M Taylor LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently removed animal inspection reports from its website, stating that it did so to protect the privacy of people and institutions. Emma Creekbaum analyzes Freedom of Information Act cases from the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals to determine how the court is resolving conflicts between individual’s privacy rights and the public’s

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES interest in public disclosure of activity by government agencies such as the USDA. Cari Zahn explores restrictive orders, also known as gag orders, issued against the press in the District of Columbia within the last decade and identifies the circumstances under which the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has found such orders to be constitutional. Margaret Bukowski examines California’s anti-paparazzi laws and whether the state’s 2010 Assembly Bill 2479, which was designed to curtail reckless driving by paparazzi seeking to photograph celebrities, could survive a constitutional challenge in appeals court.

Media Law: Press Access to Courts and Court Documents College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Poster - Course Project, 201710 CMM 432 01

STUDENTS Caroline M Flahive, Colleen G Peregrin, Kathryn E Speed ADVISORS Annette M Taylor LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Although the U.S. Supreme Court in Florida Star v. B.J.F., 491 U.S. 524 (1989), upheld press rights to publish truthful information lawfully obtained from court records, the press is often challenged when it reveals the identities of crime victims. Caroline Flahive’s paper explores the ongoing conflict between rights of public and press to access government records and the privacy rights of crime victims. Kathryn Speed examines journalists’ rights to access juvenile courts and information concerning juvenile offenders through 10 years of case law in 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers states in the western U.S. Colleen Peregrin investigates the press’s right to be present during military Article 32 hearings and whether this violates the defendant’s right to a fair trial, as the military suggested in the case ABC Inc. vs Powell, 47 M.J. 363 (1997). The paper explores cases in U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and U.S. Court of Military Appeals, as well as U.S. Supreme Court cases on open courts.

Media Law: Shield Laws Protecting Journalists College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Poster - Course Project, 201710 CMM 432 01

STUDENTS Clare J Gallagher, Jada M Woods ADVISORS Annette M Taylor LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Jada Woods analyzes and compares how Georgia and the District of Columbia Circuit courts since 2006 have addressed journalists’ claims of privilege to protect confidential sources and information. Clare Gallagher examines how Ohio and New Jersey courts have defined reporter’s privilege under state shield laws in the last 10 years, and compares the extent of protection journalists have in each state to maintain the confidentiality of sources and information.

The Linkage Between Vaccinations and Autism Portrayed Through Mass Media College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Poster - Course Project, 201710 CMM 201 01

STUDENTS Alexandria G Aytay ADVISORS Chad Painter LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 The world is much different today than it was 20 years ago. Since the technology boom, media has been running through people’s phones every day. A massive downfall that has come to light over the past few years is the controversy linking autism to vaccines. We see it on the news and we read it online and we wonder the accuracy of it all. The purpose of this project is to examine this fable and look at the vaccination coverage that has been lurking through the media and how people have received the wrong idea. In doing this, I have taken an online class from Poynter NewsU on plagiarism and fabrication which I will put to use while researching this topic as well as looking through my own personal research paper. Poytner Institute is well-known and respected in the field of mass communication. I have also interviewed Dayton’s own Dr. Teresa Thompson. Dr. Thompson has not only edited multiple resources to conclude that the linkage between autism and vaccinations is fabricated but she also has personal experience with the negative consequences of not vaccinating children at an early age. I plan on furthering my research through academic articles and news sites to see which station “got it right”.This topic is very important to academia and the mass communication field because this is what mass communication does in the wrong hands. Through a fabricated article, people began to not vaccinate their children in fear that doing so will cause autism. Now, many people are affected and not vaccinated.

Sheets and Tweets: Messages on the @DaytonBroTalk Twitter Account College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Panel Discussion - Course Project, 201680 CMS 415 01

STUDENTS Alana R Anselmi, Madeline A Black, Alexis Catherine Burchfield, Danielle N Damon, Anakaona K Etienne, Noha Mohammed Jan, Rachel S Knopf, Emily C Leonard, Abby Nicole Papenfus, Teresa L Thompson, Michaella M Videka, Kathryn L Wickel ADVISORS Teresa L Thompson LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 331, 1:00-2:00

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Concern about a potential rape-culture on college campuses led to an analysis of tweets and sheets posted on the site @ DaytonBroTalk, a popular Twitter social media site that also sponsors an annual sheet competition. Two years of tweets and pictures of the sheets were analyzed. Themes such as physical attractiveness, objectification, sexual concerns, substance abuse, celebration of UD, political issues, sports, private parts, and vulgarity were identified during pretesting and were subsequently coded after the establishment of coder reliability. Substance abuse issues were noted most frequently, followed by comments about men’s private parts, men’s sexual concerns, celebrations of Dayton pride, and vulgarity. Statements of substance abuse and were frequently correlated with celebrations of Dayton pride. Objectification of women was highly correlated with vulgarity, men’s sexual concerns, and mention of women’s private parts. Vulgarity was also correlated with objectification of men, men’s sexual concerns, and mention of the private parts of both men and women. The themes of the tweets and sheets and the associations among them do seem consistent with a culture that would be less likely to discourage rape, sexual abuse, and harassment.

The Modern Entrepreneur: The Divided Path of Higher Education College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Documentary - Independent Research

STUDENTS Alyssa A Argentine, Daniel S Cone, Cameron D Franko, David Richard Jaye, Kaitlyn M Kraus, Logan M Lambert, Samantha A Miller, Samuel N Rita, Allyssa Nicole Suter, Eli Russell Thiele, Mark Ronald Vanderslice ADVISORS Gregory Kennedy LOCATION, TIME ArtStreet Studio B, 1:00-2:00 We are creating a documentary that explores the role of higher education within the journey to become a successful entrepreneur. We will discuss the general benefits and disadvantages of a college education and one’s career, including the gravity of a degree throughout the hiring process and student debt statistics. To effectively examine these factors, we will interview successful entrepreneurs who have started their own businesses with and without college degrees. With the growing struggle of paying off student loans, aspiring entrepreneurs are building their own businesses without a college degree. There are also many entrepreneurs who have earned degrees and have had to learn on their own how to successfully run their own businesses. With entrepreneurs on both ends of the spectrum, it begs to question, is a degree necessary to be a successful entrepreneur? Our introduction will feature high school students expressing why they want to go to college and what they hope to gain from the experience. As a parallel, the documentary will end with college seniors discussing their overall college experience and whether they feel prepared to enter the professional world. The goal for this project is not to persuade people to attend or not to attend college; however, we hope high school students will put more thought into their decision. Many students say they are going to college because “it’s what they’re supposed to do?” But, often they do not know what they will major in or realize the impact of loans post-graduation. What happens when students graduate and wonder, “where do we go from here?” This documentary can provide insight from successful entrepreneurs to any student who wants to be informed on the different possibilities.

Crisis In Mass Communication

College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Oral Presentation - Course Project, 201710 CMM 201 01

STUDENTS Megan N Heitmeyer ADVISORS Chad Painter LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 310, 3:20-3:40 Introduce the topic of Crisis in Mass Communication, and how it is relevant in our society today. I will introduce how it affects the media and society today, along with referring to an expert interviewee and his position on the topic.

Human Resources in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Communication Implications of Disruptor Organizations College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Oral Presentation - Course Project, 201710 CMM 421 01

STUDENTS Abigail L Anderson, Madeline A Black, Gina A Caccimelio, Kristen A Collins, Andrew J Eifert, Taylor J Glickman, Tyler E Jasensky, Caroline J Kaniecki, Kristen A Peters, Kathryn L Wickel, Madison M Wood ADVISORS Usha Hariharan LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union West Ballroom, 3:20-4:40 A seminal component of the organizational communication course is the chronological analysis of field scholarship in concurrence with the growth and development of real world organizations. Such analysis posits that organizational evolution has moved from machine metaphor origins to human resource prioritization with concurrent implications for communication networks and processes. The next dimension in this continuum is the age of the disruptor organization that has profound implications for labor force participation, higher education and communication theory and practice. Disruptor elements are necessarily innovative game changers and often originate in technology, industry and business, profoundly influencing ways we live, work, learn, communicate, empathize, manufacture, buy, sell, virtually every life aspect. Students examined their individual choices of disruptor organizations from a sample array of current disruptor elements: AI. Bitcoin. 3-D Printing. IoT (Internet of Things). Emergent Social Media (everything from Snapchat to Kickstarter). Hyper Loop. Drone Delivery Systems. Streaming Media Systems. Self-driving cars. Cloud Computing. 23andMe (genomic research). Uber. Personal Robots. GMO. Shale/alternative energy sources. CMM 421 students Abigail

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Anderson (Venmo), Madeline Black (Spotify), Gina Caccimelio (Snapchat), Kristen Collins (Uber), Andrew Eifert (Slack), Taylor Glickman (AirBnb), Tyler Jasensky and Madison Wood (SpaceX), Caroline Kaniecki (Etsy), Kristen Peters (Pinterest), and Kathryn Wickel (Coursera) will exemplify the centrality of human resources, potential, creativity, innovation and genius in the age of artificial intelligence and technological disruption through their respective organization analyses.

Broadcasting of Hockey; Canada vs. The United States College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Oral Presentation - Course Project, 201710 CMM 201 02 STUDENTS Paul D Oliver ADVISORS Chad Painter LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 310, 3:40-4:00 My presentation is going to be about the differences in mass-communication techniques. I will compare and contrast how hockey is mass communicated in both Canada and The United States.

Cyber-mindfulness and Women’s Online Shopping Behavior College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Oral Presentation - Course Project, 201680 CMM 453 01 STUDENTS Morgan O’Neill Ford, Aleah M Gazall ADVISORS James D Robinson, Thomas D Skill LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 211, 3:40-4:00 This course project encompasses the risks, benefits, and nature of cyber-security behavior. It focuses on a research project conducted with the help of the Women’s Rowing team. Specifically, the project examines the prevalence of online shopping and how dangerous it can be when it comes to the finances, identities, and well-being of people, specifically women, who partake. A variety of communication theories were utilized to construct campaign messages to spread awareness and explain malicious behavior behind hackers, scammers, and other cyber-criminals. Results suggest that several simple message strategies can increase the cyber-mindfulness of end-users.

The 2015 Chipotle Food Safety Crisis

College of Arts and Sciences: Communication Oral Presentation - Independent Research

STUDENTS Kayla J Mclaughlin ADVISORS Kelly Vibber LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 312, 3:40-4:00 Between August 2015 and December 2015, six independent food-safety outbreaks occurred in various Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. restaurants across the nation. Over 500 people reported ill due to thecontaminations, yet Chipotle did not make the public aware of the situationuntil after the fourth outbreak. In response, the company developed a newfood safety agenda to be initiated in all 2,000+ of their restaurants andgave away over $70 million worth of free food between February and Mayof 2016. During this presentation, you will learn just exactly what happened in the restaurants, as well as the company’s various responses and actions taken. You will also have the opportunity to provide your personal opinion on the company as a whole, as well the company’s crisis management. Come learn the entire story of the Chipotle Food Safety Crisis!

Mixed-initiative Human-Computer Dialogs through Natural Language College of Arts and Sciences: Computer Science Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Joshua W Buck ADVISORS Tam Nguyen, Saverio Perugini LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Specification and implementation of flexible human-computer dialogs is challenging because of the complexity involved in rendering the dialog responsive to a vast number of varied paths through which users might desire to complete the dialog. To address this problem, we developed a toolkit for modeling and implementing task-based, mixed-initiative dialogs based on metaphors from lambda calculus. Our toolkit can automatically operationalize a dialog that involves a given number of prompts and/or sub-dialogs, given a high-level dialog specification of it. Our current research entails incorporating the use of natural language to make the flexibility in communicating user utterances commensurate with that in dialog completion paths.

Review of Physical Rigging to Skeleton Driven Animation College of Arts and Sciences: Computer Science Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Matthew R Labadie

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES ADVISORS Ju Shen LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Computer animation is a growing field that impacts multiple industries. From entertainment to research, it is becoming more and more important to have quick and efficient techniques which can produce reliable and accurate results. One way to approach this issue is to experiment with how 3D models are matched to skeletons. These skeletons are responsible for ultimately animating the model and thus impact the effectiveness of the animation. While an appreciable knowledge of computer science is required for such a task, it may come as a surprise to find that physical concepts have helped research groups further this effort. This paper will discuss such efforts in a manner that will be approachable by many but also offer insights into the physical concepts one might be lacking in a computer science background.

Chemotherapy: What Does That Even Mean? College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Course Project, 201710 ENG 366 H1

STUDENTS Austin E Hillman, Kaitlin Leigh Restrepo, Jennifer H Sebell ADVISORS Ann E Biswas LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 In an effort to acknowledge the importance of health literacy and respond to a health information need, the purpose of this project was to make an article explaining chemotherapy accessible to Intensive English Program (IEP) students with a third or fourth grade reading level. We revised an existing webpage from Cancer Treatment Centers of America about chemotherapy to make it more accessible for the IEP students. The original web page had a reading level of grade 14 and 7 months (14.7), and the intended audience is patients or loved ones of patients who do not know much about chemotherapy. The methods employed by our team to simplify the inaccessible article included SMOG tests and a Health Literacy Load Analysis to assess the reading level, visits to an IEP class for feedback, and creating/editing a brochure. The final brochure that was formed through these methods had a reading level of grade 5 and 9 months (5.9), which was more than half of the reading level of the original article (which was 14.7). The brochure enabled IEP students to understand need-to-know information about chemotherapy from the original health document. From our results, there is evidence that taking the time to assess the readability of a health document can facilitate informed health decisions by individuals whose first language is not English.

Comprehension of Comparisons Between Viruses and Bacteria College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Course Project, 201710 ENG 366 H1

STUDENTS Oscar A Barnes, Janelle M Debaldo, Phoebe Mularoni, Emily N Panella ADVISORS Ann E Biswas LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Health literacy can be defined as a person’s ability to both obtain and process health information in order to make decisions regarding their individual health. The purpose of the project was to revise a health document of viruses and bacteria for University of Dayton Intensive English Program (IEP) students. In this research project, our team chose a health document from “Science with Ms. Barton,” which compared bacterial and viral entities. In order to determine the document’s readability level, a SMOG assessment was used, which determined the readability to be 14th grade level for the original document. The team’s goal for the project was to lower that reading level to around 4 in order to make it more accessible to low-literacy students. We met with the IEP students twice in order to receive feedback on the progress of the document’s revision and reformatting. A total of two sessions were held in collaboration with the IEP group. In the first session, we gathered information on the interests of the IEP group pertaining to the topic of “viruses vs. bacteria” and what specific questions they had about it. Next, we revised our draft, reformatted it and wrote a final revised document. On the second visit, we shared the draft with the IEP group to get feedback on its readability. The readability level for the final document was respectively brought down to a 9th grade reading level based on the SMOG assessment and a 4.8 Microsoft Fleschkincaid grade level. In the end, the final revision was made in order to satisfy the group’s literary needs and meet the research team’s goal.

Creating an Appropriate Health Document for Intensive English Program Students College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Course Project, 201710 ENG 366 H1

STUDENTS Elizabeth A Edurese, Shannon Marie Hayes, Carina Kelly, Alan E Valadez ADVISORS Ann E Biswas LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Low health literacy is an extremely prevalent issue in the United States, not only for native English speakers, but especially for those who are learning English as a second language. Many of the health literature materials provided to patients today are written at too high of a reading level for many of these patients to comprehend.The purpose of this project was to revise an existing text on alcohol for readers in University of Dayton’s Intensive English Program (IEP). We then looked at a document published online by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse, which was written at a reading level appropriate for a freshman in college as determined by the SMOG test, then condensed and simplified it into a brochure form in order for it to be easily understood by the IEP students,

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES who read English at a third to fourth grade level. Cultural literacy became especially important in this process, as all the students we were writing for do not drink alcohol as part of a cultural and religious norm in their society. Overall, our revised end product was a brochure with a reading level of about third grade. The IEP students we presented the brochure to during a field testing experiment reported only a few words that they still struggled with, and these were edited in our final draft. We realized that becoming aware of health literacy issues in the United States, as well as the many different demographics, is essential for understanding and improving patient health.

Evaluation and Improvements on Stress and Anxiety Resources at UD College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Course Project, 201710 ENG 373 01

STUDENTS Carolyn A Botti, Allison L Harmon, Katherine G Michel, Logan J Roebke ADVISORS Rachel Bloom-Pojar LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Stress and anxiety come from a variety of factors in everyday life, and the ways in which individuals subsequently deal with these feelings have a direct effect on their mental and physical health. Chronic stress is especially toxic to the health of an individual and needs to be managed efficiently. The “college lifestyle” creates a breeding ground for stress and anxiety, and controlling an unhealthy accumulation can be difficult. The University of Dayton has instituted several services to reduce stress to help students manage stress. These resources were analyzed and evaluated for what is working along with how they can be improved. We divided the campus resources into 4 main sections; housing and residence life, campus recreation, tutoring and library services, and the counseling center. Within each section, we discussed the current benefits and suggested improvements. In many cases, stress-relief resources lacked effective advertisement; therefore,they were not utilized by many students. Our goal is to increase student use of these resources and ultimately improve stress management strategies on campus.

Improvements to Physical Activity at the University of Dayton College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Course Project, 201710 ENG 373 01

STUDENTS Haley N Glaser, Angel J Pagan, Allison M Sandoval ADVISORS Rachel Bloom-Pojar LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 There is a growing epidemic of obesity and unhealthy behaviors across America.This presentation’s main focus is on the unhealthy behaviors that are growing among college students. A lack of physical activity and fitness could lead college students to become more stressed, obese, develop unhealthy eating habits, decrease their mental health, and negatively affect other related health areas in the body. Physical activity is key in college to stimulating the brain and developing healthy habits for the future because college is when habits for the future are truly developed. However, it is commonly stated that college students are constantly busy and have a hard time finding time for physical activity. In our project we will discuss the resources the University of Dayton provides students to assist in improving students’ physical fitness and overall health. The RecPlex is campus’ main source of physical activity, but there are also many outside resources available. However, suggestions such as, opening more gym space, creating free workout classes, and encouraging friendly competition between the Student Neighborhoods and doors, the could improve attendance and use of their equipment. There are already many incentives created to increase attendance at the RecPlex like Path Points, but many more could be created that includes more students. The University of Dayton provides few opportunities for students to improve their physical activity outside of the RecPlex and this project looks at resources that could be added to increase overall physical health on campus. Our goal is to provide tools for success to administrative staff and students that could help increase the amount of on campus involvement in unique physical activities both on and off campus.

Improving Communication Regarding Alcohol Consumption Concerns at UD College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Course Project, 201710 ENG 373 01

STUDENTS Kelly F Fuller, Benjamin N Schmeusser, Victoria Lynn Singleton ADVISORS Rachel Bloom-Pojar LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15

Binge drinking is a physical and mental health concern. Students who binge drink may be more inclined to participate in risky behavior, feel disconnected or depressed, and develop alcohol dependency, leading to alcoholism. Even if physiological alcoholism does not develop, other health concerns including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive issues, and certain cancers are associated with binge drinking. These issues are widespread, but are most prominent on college campuses, with the University of Dayton being no exception. At UD, there are current stigmatizations regarding alcohol consumption during certain holidays, especially St. Patrick’s Day. In response to this, most often through emails and letters, the University has facilitated healthy communication about the issue of binge drinking, expressed sincere interest in protecting the wellbeing of all students and their safety, and laid out clear expectations. Additionally, the University also does a good job of hosting and promoting numerous alcohol free events on and off of campus. With the acknowledgement that there is an increase in high risk drinking during holidays, we have also identified other events that may trigger an increase in alcohol consumption through student interviews. These events consist of

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES but are not limited to hosting visitors, attending social events, and difficult academic weeks. The awareness of these trends creates a need for better communication between students and University Officials pertaining to alcohol safety and more alcohol free events throughout the entire year, which can be modeled after the University’s response to stigmatizations during holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day.

Increasing Intensive English Program Students’ Understanding of the Health Effects of Smoking Tobacco College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Course Project, 201710 ENG 366 H1

STUDENTS Emily Effer, Sydney E Hattendorf, Hanna J Peterson, Sherilyn E Rogers ADVISORS Ann E Biswas LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Health literacy is defined as the range of abilities to comprehend and evaluate health information in a way that allows individuals to make informed choices about their health. People who are especially impacted by this are the international students at the University of Dayton who are immersed in a new culture with a new language. The focus of our project was to determine what health information the international students in the Intensive English Program (IEP) at UD wanted to learn about tobacco use and smoking. We then edited an existing pamphlet about that topic to make it more understandable for IEP readers. Our original text was published by the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. When a SMOG test was run, it read at a 12.84 reading level. After meeting with the IEP students for a field test and eliminating complex language, we lowered the reading level to 6.5 and improved overall understanding. If all health information were presented at lower reading levels, the healthcare system in the United States could become less daunting to the majority of adults with low literacy.

Partnering with IEP Students to Improve the Readability of a Seasonal Flu Health Document College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Course Project, 201710 ENG 366 H1

STUDENTS Maria E Anderson, Dominick R Massa, Cynthianna M Mastropietro, Lauren T Olson ADVISORS Ann E Biswas LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Partnering with the Intensive English Program (IEP) students at the University of Dayton, we attempted to address the issue of health literacy, specifically in the form of reading health documents. Being health literate requires the ability to understand instructions, guidelines, and general health information that can lead to action. Current health documents often include medical jargon and complex English that makes interpreting the information difficult for native English speakers and especially for those whom English is their second language. We transformed an informational document from a government site that covered general information on the flu into something that was more easily understood by students in UD’s IEP. First, we visited an IEP class and asked what they knew or wanted to know about the flu and then tailored the editing of a document toward their needs. We edited the original flu document into a more concise and “readable” brochure and then returned to the IEP class for further suggestions. We received feedback that certain terms were harder to understand than others and that they had a difficult time interpreting charts. Based off of the feedback, we made final edits to our document in which we removed the chart and further simplified the language used. Using the Flesch-Kincaid readability test, we determined that the original document was written at an 11th grade level. After editing the document into a brochure, we were able to reduce the reading level to 3rd grade, which is more understandable for these readers. Through this project we were able to gain a better understanding of the issue of low health literacy in a hands on approach.

Resources and Improvements for Nutrition and the Treatment of Eating Disorders at the University of Dayton College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Course Project, 201710 ENG 373 01

STUDENTS Taylor A Brodie, Lyndsay Anne Drake, Margaret G Ziegenfuss ADVISORS Rachel Bloom-Pojar LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Research was conducted to evaluate the programs and resources that the University of Dayton offers for nutrition and eating disorders. It was determined that the dining halls offered healthy and nutritious options for students, as every place to eat on campus offers a variation of fresh fruit and vegetables. VWK’s Passports caters well to those who have a culturally diverse diet such as international students. Marycrest offers an A+ room that is designed for those who have food allergies. Only students who have expressed their allergies to the university are granted access to the room. There is a fair amount of gluten free options at every dining hall but could still use improvement. Those suffering from lactose, nut, soy and other allergies have a challenging time fulfilling their dietary needs. The A+ room does accept requests for specific food items, which is helpful for those with a restrictive diet. Eating disorders are another important consideration relating to nutritional health of campus students. The counseling center is the main resource for those suffering from an eating disorder with group and individual therapy as an option. The group session allows others dealing with a body image issue to meet each other and know they are not alone. The center offers handouts and brochures on how to spot an eating disorder and how to approach someone you know with one. A more rigorous treatment is an option but is sought

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES at locations outside the university grounds. The main improvement for eating disorder resources would be to increase programming to raise awareness for the destructive effects that an eating disorder can have on an individual’s body, as well as increase programming for how to recognize the signs of an eating disorder in a friend or roommate.

Support in the Aftermath of Suicide at the University of Dayton College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Course Project, 201710 ENG 373 01

STUDENTS Ross A Bales, Andy J Deak, Kaitlin Judith Samuels, Rachel L Singer ADVISORS Rachel Bloom-Pojar LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 According to the American Psychological Association, “Suicide is the act of killing oneself, most often as a result of depression or other mental illness.” Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-24, making it a relevant health concern for college age students. Suicide is also seen on college campuses frequently due to unique risk factors such as increased stress, presence of alcohol and drugs, pressure for perfection, difficulty adjusting to a new environment, and the recent loss of a home safety net. Unfortunately, due to the difficult nature of the topic, suicide and the resulting aftermath is often overlooked as a health concern. This specific health concern is applicable to the Dayton community, because the University of Dayton has a higher average of student suicides compared to the national average on college campuses. Although, the cause of death is never stated, the University of Dayton’s administration will send out campus wide emails advising students to utilize on campus resources, such as the counseling center, campus ministry, and residence life staff. These services can be very beneficial for grieving students; unfortunately, these resources have limitations. These barriers limit the capabilities and population of students that they are able to reach and effectively help. This presentation will investigate the effectiveness of these resources, student perceptions of the resources through interviews, and give recommendations to improve existing programs for outreach and coping strategies for those who suffered a loss by suicide. The University of Dayton provides many resources for grieving students, although they could be improved and enhanced. After thoroughly reviewing the suggested resources available at the University of Dayton, we are presenting several proposals regarding community support in the aftermath of suicide.

University of Dayton Campus Safety: Eliminating student bias surrounding UDPD in hopes to reduce the health risk due to a reluctance to call Public Safety College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Course Project, 201710 ENG 373 01

STUDENTS Nicholas A Cheesman, Melanie H Craft, Julia A Ripepi ADVISORS Rachel Bloom-Pojar LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Campus safety is a quality that universities everywhere strive to improve continually. The University of Dayton is known for its excellence in campus safety, providing its own Police Department working in collaboration with a student-run EMS organization. Despite these resources, there has been a potential downfall in campus safety due to a reluctance to call for help in fear of disciplinary action. This stems from a student bias surrounding UDPD’s “mindset” of prioritizing disciplinary action over health and safety. There is a major health risk in the reluctance to call for medical attention, prompting efforts to eliminate student bias against UDPD. We went about this by interviewing the Chief of Police and providing a questionnaire for his officers to provide their thoughts on campus safety. We consulted both UDPD officers and UD EMS members about their roles in the safety of students across campus, specifically focusing on alcohol related emergencies. Additionally, we consulted current UD students about their perspectives on UDPD and UD EMS. In this presentation, we recommend there to be improved communication between the Department of Public Safety and the student body along with clarification of a more concrete amnesty policy in place. The University of Dayton provides its student body with great resources during medical emergencies. UDPD and UD EMS share the same goal of the health and safety of each student.

Untangling Appalachia

College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Course Project, 201710 ENG 380 01

STUDENTS Timothy K Fasano, Andrew M Kramer, William W Van Winkle ADVISORS Leah W DeAloia LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 As a result of a semester in the Untangling Appalachia English class, this poster presentation makes an effort to illustrate, through poetry, music, art, works of fiction, and critical essays the truths regarding Appalachia, and strives to debunk misconceptions and stereotypes widely held by those on the outside looking in. We have sought to define both concrete and abstract concepts. For instance, what constitutes the Appalachian region? What are the heritages of the people of the Appalachian region? And, perhaps most complexly, why has the region developed as it has? These questions, and more, have led our discussion and have formed the bulk of our poster presentation. We conducted research by examining short stories, poetry, and both primary and secondary sources about the region and its peoples, including excerpts from travel diaries and critical views of the history of Appalachia.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Aiscrima e Checchi: Italian American Dialect and Development in the New Milennium College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Elizabeth L Pedrotti ADVISORS Jennifer E Haan LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 My project explores the language usage and perceptions of Italian Americans in theDayton area. I focus particularly on their use of words or phrases considered part of an Italian-American variety of English and the roles the Italian language plays in family and community life. I situate my research in current and past scholarship, looking toward Hermann Haller’s 1981 study of Italian American language patterns and the Italian American word list compiled by A. Menarini in 1947. By combining personal interviews with Italian Americans living in the Dayton area today with more widespread conceptions of Italian American language and culture, I present an in-depth study within a niche of a larger community.

Aiscrima e Checchi: Italian American Dialect and Development in the New Milennium College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Honors Thesis

Ambiguous Pleasure(ers): Negotiating the Bodies of Falstaff and Moll College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Lauren A Van Atta ADVISORS Rebecca C Potter LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The British Early Modern period was a time of shifting social ideologies, where class as well as gender were mapped onto bodies and embedded in the very material conditions of life. But class and gender were not discreet categories with dichotomous definitions like ‘male’ and ‘female’ or ‘nobility’ and ‘peasant’. They had many inbetweens, and the theater was perhaps the most glaring inbetween of all. The theater necessarily complicates definitions and ways of viewing bodies as no body is what they seem. And at the heart of these ambiguous identies lay the fat body. It is consumptive, it is transgressive, and it is sterile. It, much like the theater it is reproduced on, contributes nothing to society of cultural or economic value. It only produces pleasure.

From Notebook to Report: How Notes Function in the Creation of Scientific Discourse College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS William J Lawrence ADVISORS Patrick Thomas LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 My project is an examination of the way in which scientific reports are written by students. Specifically, I am focusing on how the information inscribed in lab notebooks early in the report writing process is used as a resource in the final report product. My research will trace the development of a scientific report from the initial experiment and note-making to the final written product in order to determine how and when the notes are utilized.

Whose Voice the Waters Heard: A Short Story Cycle College of Arts and Sciences: English Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Grace E Hagan ADVISORS Joseph R Pici LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 In this collection of short stories, each short story is a unique exploration of the powerful and often enigmatic concept of loss. The common unity for the collection presents itself in two parts: place and theme. Characters of all ages, from all walks of life, go to the

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES river to have their voices heard and to grieve a particular form of loss. The collection takes a dynamic and expansive view on loss, and each short story reflects a different idea or experience of loss. It seeks to examine not only what can be lost, but also what can and cannot be found. Some losses explored include: loss of life, control, memory, innocence and youth. While each story takes place around a different river and examines a different form of loss, the image of the river embodies the collection, as a river is both a thing in itself and a part of something much greater.

Creating Inclusive Community: Social Justice and Action at UD College of Arts and Sciences: English

Panel Discussion - Course Project, 201710 UDI 380 M1 STUDENTS Julie A Baffoe, Emma M Brumfield, Vanessa M Carey, Angela M Eck, Anna L Herrmann, Jeremy M Hill, Roy D Lawrence, Megan J McKelvey, Grace E Miles, Emily C Monczynski, Roselyn C Nworie, Peter A Oduwole, Laura L Porcelli, Leena Tarek Sabagh, Brett J Slaughen ADVISORS Patricia L Alvarez, Thomas L Morgan LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union East Ballroom, 2:00-3:00 Creating Inclusive Community involves 16 students and 2 peer leaders enrolled in UDI 380 “Understanding, Respecting, and Connecting: Examining Privilege and Taking Action.” As part of the class, they attended a two-day training in February given by the Social Justice Training Institute. The focus of the training was to examine the challenging concepts of privilege and oppression and to develop strategies for creating a more equitable world. Come hear about the students’ experiences, the skills and knowledge they gained, and the plans they have to put it into action. They will also engage in conversation with the audience about strategies to improve the campus climate at the University of Dayton. As we all play a role in the university community, we welcome dialogue with everyone(from those new to conversations about social justice to the seasoned veterans). Please join us for a lively discussion!

Young Adult Fiction: Inside the Mirror Image College of Arts and Sciences: English Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Paige Christin Flannelly ADVISORS Jennifer E Haan LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 310, 3:00-3:20 The pure definition of self-image is the opinion one has of oneself. This understanding of oneself is influenced by a multitude of external forces, specifically, interactions with peers, family members, societal standards, grief, and illness. My research focuses on five novels: 13 Reasons Why, The Boyfriend List, The Fault in Our Stars, Lock and Key, and All the Bright Places. These novels provide concrete examples of how a teen’s image of self is impacted by certain interactions. Each novel follows a teenage girl through the most ordinary, extraordinary, or life-altering instances in a teen’s life. The interactions each teen confronts in these moments provides the backbone of my research. Through the study of Young Adult literature’s different portrayals of self, I convey the current trends in themes of self-image and how no one size fits all.

Community Awareness of Sustainable Water Use: River Fest and Rain Catchment College of Arts and Sciences: Fitz Center for Leadership in Community Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Sarah Jane Berger, Peter G Evans, Brandi Marie Gerschutz, Jacob R Glaser, Kathryn E Hoeper, Wallace J Huggett, Abigail E Kuhn, Raymond Alfred Mahar, Elise Anna Moeller, George L Moresea, Alvin Boyd Newman-Caro, Nicholas W Racchi, Sarah M Renfrow, Kendal G Schaetzle, Elinor Louise Schuck, Charlotte Anne Shade ADVISORS Leslie W King LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Every cohort of the Rivers Institute dedicates over a year developing relationships with community partners to ground themselves in the Fitz Center Pillars for Leadership and Community. The 2017 cohort community partner chosen is Mission of Mary Cooperative located in the Twin Towers neighborhood. They have spent the past two years collaborating with the Marianist-rooted urban farm. The goal of this project was to raise community awareness of sustainable water usage. In order to reach all parts of the community, the cohort worked with a variety of partners including East End Community Services and the Hanley Sustainability Institute among other Rivers Institute community partners. Through volunteer work with the farm, the cohort discovered the assets and needs of the farm and community and decided on building a rain water catchment system for one of the farm’s hoop houses on their new property. The cohort also designed educational signage to accompany the system as a tool for the community. In April, this will be exhibited to the community through an event called River Fest. The community event will be centered around education and celebration of sustainable water usage. The education component will largely impact the next generation for the years to come through this event and through the signage at the site to care for and protect the environment in which they live.

Dayton Civic Scholar 2017 Cohort Capstone Project: Walnut Hills Park Revitalization College of Arts and Sciences: Fitz Center for Leadership in Community Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES STUDENTS Katherine B Brossart, Douglas S Carey, Kelsey A Clayback, Kiara Isabel Connelly, Paige Christin Flannelly, Gianna Marie Hartwig, Sarah Mei Mastrorocco, Erika Rose Mrzlak, Eryn N Olson, Gabriela Mae Sanfilippo, Margaret Ann Schaller, Tara Noel Slenska, Briar Rose Smith, Sarah C Welsh ADVISORS Donald A Vermillion LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 207, 2:00-2:30 This presentation explains the Dayton Civic Scholars (DCS) 2017 cohort capstone project in collaboration with the Walnut Hills Neighborhood Association. DCS is a three year program through the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community in which civic-minded students seek to engage with the greater Dayton community. Beginning in August of 2015, our cohort partnered with the Walnut Hills Neighborhood to revitalize park areas and increase neighborhood use of the park. We assessed the needs of the neighborhood and formed beneficial community partnerships that improved upon the already existing assets of the neighborhood. After months of planning with the neighborhood association and the City of Dayton, the tennis courts will be transformed by the end of Spring 2017. The city has committed to additional improvements, including accessibility and structural changes to the park. Our cohort was awarded the Dayton Mini-Grant to assist in funding the project to completely repave the tennis court area and repair fencing. Additional financial support will be provided by the City of Dayton. The project will conclude with a community celebration bringing together Walnut Hills and the University of Dayton at the revitalized park.

Temperature Sensor Network for Mission of Mary Cooperative College of Arts and Sciences: Geology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Surya Margaret Freeman ADVISORS Andrew Rettig LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 The objective of this project is to continue the work of a previously established environmental sensor network at the Mission of Mary local urban farm. This sensor network records ambient air temperature at the Lincoln Hills site, one of two Mission of Mary farms. I am recording and processing temperature data coming from the five sensors implemented at this location. The locations of the sensors range from within three vegetable beds with varying frost coverings, a suspended sensor at the ceiling of the greenhouse, and a mounted sensor with a weather shield on the roof of the greenhouse. Temperature data is relayed from the sensor network, through an open-source single-board computer called a Raspberry Pi, to a cloud server. This data is then available through a RESTful web service as an online query tool where the data can be exported as a .csv file. The data is then imported into the Datazar platform, a research collaboration platform that is being used on a trial basis for this project. As data is being relayed I am able to view and study the changing temperature data, which is then analyzed and presented to the Mission of Mary team. By comparing temperature data at the Lincoln Hill site to weather data from the Dayton International Airport, variables such as daily cloud coverage and precipitation can be more thoroughly understood as they relate to urban agriculture. The two main points of interest for temperature data are at midday and midnight where the temperatures will be the highest and lowest respectfully. Once this project is completed Mission of Mary staff will be able to better determine if frost blankets are beneficial for vegetation growth during the late winter to early spring growing season, and identify any changes needed to better overall agricultural productivity.

Drought Assessment of California Using ArcGIS and Remote Sensing College of Arts and Sciences: Geology Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS David J Binger ADVISORS Shuang-Ye Wu LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The objective of this study is to assess the severity of drought in California through multiple techniques using ArcGIS. We first collect precipitation data for the period 2011 to 2017 from weather stations in California, and calculate the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) to determine the drought level. Second, we select several vegetation rich sites and compare the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from 2011 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2017 to establish the interannual variations of green vegetation. Lastly we examine annual changes in lake surface area by manual digitization of remote sensing images. NDVI and SPI analysis showed California transition from slight, to moderate, and to severe drought conditions. NDVI decreased by more than 20% in certain areas, and lakes and reservoirs saw significant surface area reduction due to a lack of precipitation to recharge lake levels. However, 2017 has seen a large increase in precipitation, leading to the reversal of drought condition, but also regional flooding.

Finding ideal locations for wetland restoration in Ohio College of Arts and Sciences: Geology Poster - Course Project, 201710 GEO 598 01

STUDENTS Erin C Rowekamp ADVISORS Shuang-Ye Wu LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The objective of this research is to identify potential sites for wetland restoration through a multiple criteria analysis. Wetlands have numerous ecological and societal benefits. Wetlands serve as a habitat or resource for numerous species, including mammals,

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects for at least part of their life. This results in high species diversity in wetlands. Although often overlooked, wetlands also benefit society through flood control, the filtering of pollutants, and serving as a carbon sink. However, unfortunately the number of wetlands in the United States had declined by 54% as early as 1984. The government has responded with several wetland conservation programs through congressional bills and executive orders that have been passed regarding wetland conservation. As a result, the loss of the number of wetlands has slowed down, and wetland restoration is becoming more and more common. This study aims to examine how the number and total area of wetlands have changed through time in the state of Ohio. Additionally, this study will focus on areas that were previously wetlands that have been converted to other land uses as possible sites for wetland restoration. Clearly, due to a number of changes that can occur through time not all old wetland locations are good sites for wetland restoration efforts. This study will consider multiple factors such as the new land use type, new surrounding land use, soil type, slope and the depth of the water table in order to make recommendations on sites to serve as locations for wetland restoration.

Geostatistical Interpolation of Subsurface Geologic Structure in southeast Ohio and northwest West Virginia College of Arts and Sciences: Geology Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Graydon Leo Konzen ADVISORS Allen J McGrew, Shuang-Ye Wu LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The objective of this study is to constrain the spatial and temporal extent of subsurface geologic structures in an area along the Ohio River in Washington County, Ohio and adjacent West Virginia counties. The Ohio River section from New Martinsville to the Willow Island Dam is unusually straight and strikingly coincident with a major basement fault defining the northwestern margin of the Early Cambrian Rome Trough. We hypothesize that this river segment is structurally controlled, implying that the zone of basement structural disruption may extend vertically upward through the entire Paleozoic stratigraphic section. To test this hypothesis, we have employed geostatistical interpolation of Ohio DNR and West Virginia Geological Survey oil and gas well data to construct a series of structure contour and isopach maps at a range of stratigraphic levels, especially on the shale and sandstone formations that are economically important as reservoir horizons in Appalachian oil and gas plays. Specifically, the rock formations contoured using the ArcGIS geostatistical analyst extension include the Cow Run sandstone (Pennsylvanian), the Big Injun and Berea Sandstones (Mississippian), the Marcellus Shale and Oriskany Sandstone (Devonian),and the Utica Shale (Ordovician). These results indicate that a significant Paleozoic fold, the Burning Springs Arch, shows at least 5 km of right-lateral strike-slip displacement where it intersects the newly recognized Ohio River fault system. Consequently, additional work is justified to understand the possibility that this fault or related structures could be vulnerable to induced seismicity as oil and gas production via hydraulic fracturing expands into the area with attendant increases in the volumes of deep wastewater injection.

GIS Analysis of Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Productivity in the Midwest United States College of Arts and Sciences: Geology Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Surya Margaret Freeman ADVISORS Shuang-Ye Wu LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The objective of this project is to assess the historical trend of agricultural productivity in the Midwest, and examine how it is related to climate change. Climate change can have both positive and negative impacts on agriculture. Some positive impacts of climate change are longer growing seasons, average temperature increase, and higher CO2. On the other hand, some of the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture are extreme frost and heat stress periods, water shortages due to evaporation, and increased severe weather patterns. By analyzing climate data from weather stations around the Midwest United States and spatial agricultural data of two select crops, wheat and corn, we will examine the possible links between climate change and agricultural productivity. The climate data is collected from the National Centers for Environmental Information at NOAA, and the agricultural data comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Cropland Data Layer (CDL) from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Our results suggest that climate change have a mixed impact on agricultural productivity in the Midwest United States.

Projecting Future Groundwater Recharge with CMIP5 Climate Models College of Arts and Sciences: Geology Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Amber N Johnson, Colin J Mctighe ADVISORS Shuang-Ye Wu LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00

AbstractThis project aims to predict the future precipitation characteristics for the Dayton region using climate model scenarios. This is part of an on-going research project on assessing the future sustainability of the Great Miami Valley Buried Aquifer under

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES the changing climate. Dayton is home to one of the most productive aquifer systems in the country, and assessing the effects of climate change on the sustainability of this resource provides important information for future utilization and planning. In this region, precipitation contributes to 35% - 66% of the groundwater recharge with seasonal variations. Therefore, it is important to project future precipitation patterns in order to assess the sustainability of the groundwater. This research is performed in 4 major steps: (1) Collect historical station data for Dayton from the Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN), and historical simulations of precipitation and temperature from 10-15 CMIP5 Climate models; (2) Compare the GHCN station data with the historical model simulations to evaluate model bias; (3) Collect future simulations of precipitation and temperature from the same CMIP5 models for future climate scenarios, and correct the bias; (4) use future precipitation information to predict future groundwater recharge in the Dayton region. This information will be useful for regional planning committees and local government for decision making and planning processes for the future.

Slip Tendency Analysis of Bedrock Structure in southeast Ohio and northwest West Virginia College of Arts and Sciences: Geology Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Graydon Leo Konzen ADVISORS Allen J McGrew, Shuang-Ye Wu LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 This study identifies possible fault and joint systems at risk of seismic failure along an uncharacteristically straight segment of the Ohio River bounding Washington County, Ohio that we hypothesize to be structurally controlled. Previous work documents a regional basement structure known as the Rome Trough coinciding with this segment of the Ohio River. Publically available oil and gas well data have been used to generate structure contour and isopach maps of upper Paleozoic strata in order to confirm that these structural trends could also be related to shallow faults. In tandem with subsurface data, field investigation of bedrock evidence reveals widespread jointing and rare faulting that appears to parallel the trend of modern stream systems, including the Ohio River itself. Slip tendency analysis in the context of the regional stress regime shows which of these systems are at risk of induced seismicity under the influence of increased pore fluid pressures associated with deep wastewater injection. These results in conjunction with the recent occurrence of minor seismicity in the vicinity of several deep wastewater injection wells suggest the need for cautious environmental assessment as oil and gas production expands into the study area.

Sustainability of Dayton Groundwater Resources under Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Changing Climate College of Arts and Sciences: Geology Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Amber N Johnson, Colin J Mctighe ADVISORS Zelalem Bedaso, Shuang-Ye Wu LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Groundwater is an essential resource in the Dayton region, and is likely to experience changes with global warming. Assessing its sustainability under the changing climate regime is of great importance for the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social and economic development. We use stable isotope ratios of oxygen (18O) in precipitation to track large-scale atmospheric processes, local controlling factors and establish moisture sources for the Dayton region. Precipitation samples were collected at the University of Dayton precipitation collection station on a daily, weekly and monthly basis between March 2015 and March 2016 for a total of 120 samples. A total of 37 groundwater samples were also collected from monitoring and public supply wells across the Miami Valley Buried Aquifer. Our results indicate that warm season precipitation contributed approximately 34% to groundwater recharge, while cool season precipitation comprised the majority of recharge at 66%. Based on climate change predictions, winters in the Dayton region will become increasingly milder and will lead to more prevalent rain events in the cool season rather than snow events as witnessed this winter. As a result, cool seasonal groundwater recharge amount could be negatively impacted. The outcome of this study would help to inform local and state water resource management on the impact of climate change on the quantity and quality of the water resource in the region that supplies water to nearly 2 million people.Key words: groundwater, isotope, climate change, sustainability, recharge

The Sound of Silence: An Introduction to the Use of Acoustics in Tracking Climate Change College of Arts and Sciences: Hanley Sustainability Institute Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Kaleigh J Barkaszi ADVISORS Katherine Rose Schoenenberger LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Climate change is occurring, the planet is warming, and anthropogenic activities are to blame for the environmental degradation. Tracking climate change is a long process, taking years before changes are noticeable and it becomes too late to mitigate or preserve the habitat. An emerging field of soundscape ecology presents the opportunity and ability to observe climate change effects before irreparable damage is done. Using acoustics to monitor ecosystems also provides an understanding of species behavior, weather patterns, and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, to name a few. Biological organisms rely on sound to send and receive vital information regarding the area around them. As anthropogenic activities continue and increase warming events, the acoustic environment changes which many species may be unable to adapt to. Little research has been done using acoustics to

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES track and measure effects of climate change, and even less have been conducted in the Arctic. The Arctic is still a relatively pristine environment, yet with global climatic warming, changes are predicted to occur rapidly and significantly. This paper introduces the complex interactions and responses triggered by climate change events. Using acoustics can provide a perspective on climate change effects before they are drastically observed. Recordings made in the north of Iceland were used to examine the effectiveness of acoustic monitoring. Terrestrial and underwater recordings were made to evaluate ambient noise levels and predict how climate change will affect the ambient noise of an environment. The results of the project demonstrate how acoustics can be used as a tool to track climate change effects over long periods of time.

International Studies Capstone Seminar: On Globalization College of Arts and Sciences: History Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Cameron Michael Blair, Ashley L Bressmer, Julie A Brough, Kiara Isabel Connelly, Kersten Elizabeth Kress, Kathleen Quinn, Leena Tarek Sabagh, Claire Elizabeth Sanfilippo, Jacob Tyler Scara, Emily Jordan Schneeberger, Ariana M Tourlas ADVISORS Christopher S Agnew LOCATION, TIME LTC Meeting Space, 1:00-4:00 Students in the International Studies Capstone Seminar are asked to use the knowledge and skills they have developed at the University of Dayton to produce an analytical paper or project concerning a topical issue closely connected to their area of concentration and region of linguistic specialization. Each student was also encouraged to work on a project that developed from some aspect of the course theme, “On Globalization.” Presentation titles:Cameron Blair, “Russian Foreign Interests and Post-Soviet Frozen Conflict Zones”Ashley Bressmer, “The Influence of the Globalization of Mass Media on Global Markets”Julie Brough, “Globalization and Ukrainian Identity”Kiara Connelly, “To What Extent Does ISIS See Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War?”Kersten Kress, “The Rise of Far Right Wing Politics and Immigration in France”Kathleen Quinn, “The Impact of Social Enterprises in Latin America”Leena Sabagh, “The Globalization of Social Movements”Claire Sanfilippo, “How Does Climate Change Force Migration in the Middle East and Africa?”Jacob Scara, “Silent Voices in the Russian Federation”Emily Schneeberger, “Adjust Business Practices Based on Cultural Challenges”Ariana Tourlas, “Palm Oil: The Harmful Link Between the Developing and the Developed”

History 498: History Capstone Seminar College of Arts and Sciences: History Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Jason Robert Becker, Jean Dossous, Joseph A Fay, Ryan Benton Gabbert, Matthew D Gardner, Aidan M Gleber, John A Goebel, Gianna Marie Hartwig, Margaret K McAleer, John T McEnroe, Carsten A Smith, Jensen C Smith, Angela M Solis, Patrick B Steele, William G Tripp, Christina M Vaughan-Robinette, Yaxuan Yu ADVISORS Haimanti Roy, Laura Sextro LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 222, 1:00-5:00 Presentations based on student Capstone projects. Presentations by senior History majors on topics ranging from the American Revolution, The British imperial Tea Trade, The First World War, The Russian Revolution, The Second World War, American politics in the 1920s and the Cold War projects of Development. Students will also address themes of Race, Gender, Family, post-Second World War urbanization, Sexual violence and propaganda.

Cross-Cultural Immersion Experiences in Zambia, Malawi, and Cameroon College of Arts and Sciences: History Panel Discussion - Independent Research

STUDENTS Alexandra M Altomare, Christine E Driscoll, Alison M Gaines, Chelsea R Jones, Kristen Elizabeth Ney ADVISORS Julius A Amin LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union West Ballroom, 2:00-3:00 During the summer students from the University of Dayton participated in a variety of experiences in Africa. This panel is about those experiences. Students from different academic units explain the nature of their activities in the African nations of Zambia, Cameroon, and Malawi. Participants of cross-cultural immersion experiences are often at the forefront of diversity and globalization on campus, and this presentation offers students the opportunity to discuss how their experiences were transformative in their education at the university. Panelists will conclude the presentation with informed arguments as to why cross-cultural experiences should be made a more campus-wide initiative.

Mining History: An Alterfactual Approach College of Arts and Sciences: History Panel Discussion - Course Project

STUDENTS Blake L Bergere, Thomas E Danner, Adam M Essling, Michael D Glaser, Jacob T Gleason, Katherine S Hamor, Brooke V Larney, Mary A Macrae, Brennan Mai, Daniel Jack Makuch, Chrystyan A Marlow, Elisabeth J Palazzo, Thomas S Pollock, Peter A Randazzo, Samuel A Sextro ADVISORS Caroline W Merithew

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 331, 2:00-3:00 This panel features students research projects focused on the use of alterfactual (sometimes called, counterfactual or what if) history as a methodological approach to understanding historical studies.

The Montgomery County Fairgrounds: Staying Relevant in an Urbanizing City College of Arts and Sciences: History Oral Presentation - Independent Research

STUDENTS Carsten A Smith ADVISORS Janet R Bednarek LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 310, 2:40-3:00 The Montgomery County Fairgrounds was first established in the mid 1800’s when the surrounding area was still quite rural. As the city of Dayton began to quickly urbanize in the late 1800’s, the Fairgrounds began to become less relevant to the city dwellers. In order to prove its usefulness to the city, the rural-focused fairgrounds needed to evolve and keep its funding from the city so it could continue to support the fair for which it was built. This was accomplished for a time through a number of means, but primarily through becoming a venue for local, regional, and professional sports. While the city was not yet large enough to support multiple sports venues around the city, the Fairgrounds stepped in and became the focal point of Dayton athletics into the mid 1900’s. Ultimately the fairgrounds lost its draw as its facilities aged and both more modern and superior venues were built separate from the Fairgrounds. Once it had lost its draw, the Fairgrounds once again began to lose its importance to the city and initial attempts to repurpose the fairgrounds began in the early 1960’s with various groups aiming to take over the valuable property, drawing strong connections to the current state of affairs, and its ultimate sale to the University of Dayton.

Undergraduate Research on the History of Spain College of Arts and Sciences: History

Oral Presentation - Course Project, 201680 HST 310 01 STUDENTS Kasey Lynn Duffy, Peter S Hansen, Lisa E Stone ADVISORS Miguel Gomez LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 311, 3:40-4:40 Student presentations from research projects for the Fall 2016 History of Spain class. Topics include the social structures of al-Andalus, the image of Queen Juana “the Mad”, Gaudi in Barcelona, and the music of Isaac Albeniz.

Death and Profit: A History of the Blood Diamond Trade in Africs College of Arts and Sciences: History

Oral Presentation - Course Project, 201710 HST 337 01 STUDENTS Michael T Marrocco, Logan J Rush, Chase A Sawyer, Hayden S Wheeker ADVISORS Julius A Amin LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 310, 4:00-4:40 This presentation will be a group lecture on various aspects of the trade of blood diamonds in Africa. We will discuss the origins of the trade in pre-colonial and colonial Africa, the economic and diplomatic ramifications of the trade of blood diamonds, and the impact on the societies and cultures of African communities effected by the trade. This presentation will reflect the combined research of four students over the semester on this topic with the goal of providing a brief introduction to the subject with the hope of inspiring listeners to pursue further education on this and other issues that still effect Africa.

An Investigation of Supercapacitor Design with Specific Emphasis on Energy Density College of Arts and Sciences: Human Rights Center Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS George E Padavick ADVISORS Binod Kumar LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Imagine charging your phone in minutes rather than hours. With supercapacitor technology this could become a reality. Supercapacitors offer an alternative to batteries in that they store electrical energy but provide faster charging and discharging. However, commercial supercapacitors store less energy than batteries, resulting in the widespread prevalence of batteries over supercapacitors. Recent developments in advanced carbon materials have improved the energy density of supercapacitors suggesting that further improvements can be made. This work aims to build on materials developments to provide better energy storage systems specifically by increasing the energy density of supercapacitors. Applications include electric vehicles, smart grid technology, renewable energy, and your smartphone.

A Sense of Vocation

College of Arts and Sciences: Institute Pastoral Initiative

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Visual Arts Exhibition - Course Project, 201710 ASI 357 H1 STUDENTS JJessica L Bloemer, Lucy E Bratton, Mark D Bugada, Jaclyn H Franz, Nathan T Helfferich, Hannah S Jackson, Peter J Kania, Heather A Leuer, Joseph N Mauch, Ellie M Ryan, Anna G Schlegel, Victoria R Schoen, Peter M Tierney, Christopher J Turley, Elizabeth M Turnwald, Erin M Winchester ADVISORS Maria O Burkett, Angela Ann Zukowski LOCATION, TIME Alumni Hall Basement, 11:00-12:15 This Stander Symposium entry is an interactive experience using various media and artistic expressions along with individual and small group engagement. The Chaminade Scholars will demonstrate how we can grow in a deeper appreciation of the meaning of vocation through an experience of the senses. By opening our minds to new possibilities for seeing and listening in a fresh new way, we are awakening to the richness of grasping the truth, goodness and beauty of our sense of vocation. We delve deeply into our Catholic Marianist charism and tradition for nurturing our sense of vocation. This session highlights readings, reflections, conversations and interactive learning experiences of the Chaminade Scholars Vocation and Arts course.

Numerical Analysis of a Mathematical Model for the Formation of Alzheimer’s Disease College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Poster - Course Project, 201710 MTH 219 04

STUDENTS Summer E Jenkins, Christopher A Negri, Amelia I Pompilio ADVISORS Muhammad Usman LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Mathematics can be applied meaningfully to a variety of disciplines and research areas, especially the spread of disease. The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease remains largely ambiguous in current research because of the complex relationships between cell types due to aging. In this project, we computationally study a mathematical model that is a system of coupled differential equations to represent such relationships between cells. We use Runge-Kutta methods and Euler’s method to study the model.

How Mathematics Can Stop Crime

College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS William T Shovelton ADVISORS Muhammad Usman LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The Susceptible, Infected, and Recovered (SIR) Mathematical Model is widely used to study infectious diseases. Such models are also used to study predator-prey interactions, alcohol abuse, and social networks. Here, we will study a variation of SIR model for the interaction of police and gangs. In this work, we apply numerical techniques to simulate the solution of the model, which is a system of coupled ordinary differential equations. We compare the solution using various numerical techniques such as Euler’s Method, Runge-Kutta Methods, and Nonstandard Finite Difference Method.

Investigating Factors that Impact the Probability of Covering the Spread in NFL Games College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Larry J D’Onofrio ADVISORS Peter W Hovey LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 This analysis is to determine if the winner against the spread of NFL regular season games can be probabilistically determined. In order to obtain the results for the analysis, a logistical regression will be run analyzing data from the 2010 – 2015 NFL seasons. The data consists of variables pertaining to team resources, individual games, and Las Vegas closing spreads.

Low Birthweight and How Mother’s Status Influences It College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Xueyan Bai ADVISORS Peter W Hovey LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 This research project investigates the impact of various factors on the risk of low birth weight. A Logistic regression model will be used to identify those factors that impact the probability of low birth weight (smaller than 2500 grams) baby. The related factors include mother’s age, mother’s weight, smoking status during pregnancy and several others. Basically, those factors are related to mother’s life habits and personal status.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Numerical Integration

College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Jiaying Chen ADVISORS Catherine Kublik LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The objective is to calculate the integral of a function f over an interval (i.e. area under the curve). However, in practice, f or its antiderivative is analytically unknown, forcing us to settle for a numerical approximation. We investigate different numerical methods such as Trapezoidal rule, Simpson’s rule, Newton-Cotes rules and Gaussian quadrature rules to compute the area under f, and compare their accuracies and efficiencies.

Prayer and Political Views

College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS William J Gross ADVISORS Peter W Hovey LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Does the amount of time spent in prayer affect one’s political views?This research looks at how often one prays during the week to see ifit affects whether one is more likely to be conservative or liberal.This study builds on previous research on how religion affectspolitical views. It seeks to concentrate on how the amount of timespent in prayer affects political views. In this way, it is not onlyreligion that is being accounted for, but through prayer, howreligious someone is and how it may or may not affect their politicalviews. For this study, data will be taken from the General SocialSurvey. The hypothesis that will be tested is as follows:On average and all else equal, a person who prays more will be morelikely to identify as conservative. To test the hypothesis, a logisticregression will be conducted to determine the probability of a personbeing liberal or conservative. The logistic regression will be afunction of several variables – including the amount of time spent inprayer.

Predicting Baseball Player’s Salaries Based on Past Performance and Other Factors College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Courtney A Arand ADVISORS Maher B Qumsiyeh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The purpose of this project is to predict a baseball player’s salary in the 2016 season based on their performance and other factors in the 2015 season. The factors (regressors) used in this project that could possibly affect the salary (dependent variable) were age, seasons played, games played, wins above replacement (WAR), and batting average. The data was collected from sources such as the Major League Baseball (MLB) website and the USA TODAY website. We used the statistical software package SPSS to analyze the data and obtain a good prediction model.

Predicting How Many Points a Famous NBA Player Will Score in a Game College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Crystal D Brock ADVISORS Maher B Qumsiyeh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Stephen Curry is a player in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and he plays as a point guard for the Golden State Warriors. The overall purpose of this project is to predict, based on a number of factors (independent variables) from the 2015-2016 season, the amount of points Stephen Curry will score in any given game. The independent variables (regressors) chosen that could have an effect on the number of points scored are minutes played in a specific game, field goal percentage, three point percentage, free throw percentage, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, fouls, and turnovers. The data was obtained from the ESPN website. The statistical software package, SPSS, was used to analyze the data and obtain a good prediction model.

Predicting Smoking Rates in the U.S. Using Multiple Regression College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Marie K Bertolo ADVISORS Maher B Qumsiyeh LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES In this work, we will try to predict the smoking rates (dependent variable) based on several independent variables (regressors) such as graduation rate rate (measured by high school graduation rates), race, religious status, age, median household income, crime rates and cigarette tax per pack. We also test if the smoking rate is dependent on the state. In the model, smoking rates are shown as a percentage of a state’s population and all 50 states are included to give an accurate representation of the United States as a whole. The data used was obtained from several websites such as Americas Health Rankings, the US census, the Kaiser Family Foundation, Governing and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These variables are being tested to speculate the reasons behind the differences in smoking rates across U.S. states and to predict potential future rates.

Principle Component Analysis

College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Conor J McCormick ADVISORS Muhammad N Islam LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Principle Component Analysis (PCA) is a powerful tool used in the field of statistics. In a given or collected sample of data, statisticians normally like to see correlations, or relationships, between variables in the sample. By examining the correlations between these variables, statisticians are able to create a linear representation to help make estimations for currently unknown values. Getting to this linear representation can be easy if there are only a few variables and/or the sample size is small. However, this is not always the case and this is where PCA comes into play. When the amount of variables taken is large it could lead to an even larger amount of correlation plots that must be looked at and could potentially be hard to interpret, but with PCA the number of plots can greatly be reduced and make it easier to see to correlation between variables. In my presentation, I plan to explain this technique.

The Stone-Weierstrass Approximation Theorem and Applications College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Melissa E Fox, Emma Laura Whitney ADVISORS Paul W Eloe LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 We outline the proof of the celebrated Stone-Weierstrass Theorem and give two applications. It is known that the polynomials are dense on C[a,b], the space of continuous functions defined on a closed bounded interval [a,b]; that is, given a continuous function and a tolerance for that function, a polynomial can be found within the tolerance of the function. We show that in the space C(M), where M is compact, if we consider the subalgebra A of C(M) that contains the constant functions and separates points of C(M), then A is dense in C(M). Then it follows that the piecewise linear functions and the trigonometric polynomials are dense in the space of continuous functions on compact domains.

15th Annual Integration Bee, Mathematics College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Interactive Competition - Independent Research

ADVISOR Arthur H Busch LOCATION, TIME Science Center 255 - Chudd Auditorium, 1:00-2:00 The students compete in teams of 2-3 people. This is organized in a similar way to the traditional spelling bee. Teams will be evaluating integrals that are projected on a screen. If a team incorrectly evaluates an integral, the team is eliminated from the competition. After the elimination rounds, we will hold the lightning rounds. The first ‘y’ many teams to correctly evaluate the given integrals will proceed to the next round. We do this until there is a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place team. First, second, and third place teams will receive math t-shirts. The department of mathematics will host a pizza lunch in the Science Center Atrium from 12:00-1:00 PM prior to the Integration Bee.

Extending Second and Third-Order Uniqueness Implies Existence Results to Fractional Differential Equations College of Arts and Sciences: Mathematics Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Tyler M Masthay ADVISORS Paul W Eloe LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 311, 3:00-3:20 You are given two dots and are asked to connect these dots with a straight line. This is an easy task to complete, so we say that a solution to this problem exists. We say that this solution is unique given that any straight line that passes through both points must be the exact same line. However, if we relax the problem to allow for any shape possible, then there is clearly more than one way to do this, so the solution exists but is not unique. Precisely, a solution to a problem exists if there is at least one solution and is unique

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES if there is at most one solution. Results have been shown for boundary-value problems for ordinary differential equations whereby assumption of the uniqueness of solutions to boundary value problems implies their existence. We present extensions of these results to fractional differential equations.

The Visual Beauty of Music

College of Arts and Sciences: Music

Performance - Course Project, 201710_MUS_202_01 STUDENTS Connor P Fuhrmann, Megan Green, Ian C Jones, Gabriella M Klotz, Jillian M Mitchell, Alaina L Saliba, Ann E Scott ADVISORS Willie L Morris III LOCATION, TIME Sears Recital Hall, 9:15-10:30 Music and Art have been related since the beginning of their creation. History has shown that musicians and visual artists often get inspiration from each other. At this performance, the music performance majors have selected works of art to accompany the musical composition they are performing..

String Chamber Music Recital

College of Arts and Sciences: Music

Performance - Course Project, 201710 MUS 390 10 STUDENTS Molly Beth Dickson, Jessica R Edwards, Adam M Essling, Samuel R Fischer, Anna M Goertler, Anna L Herrmann, Marsha A Japutra, Kaitlyn M Jones, Lauren T Kell, Mariyaruth J Miles-Flynn, Sean M Miller, Alexander J Rice, Emily R Robinson, Molly K Savage, Timothy D Schroeder, Carly Marie Thie ADVISORS Kara Manteufel Camfield, Phillip C Magnuson, James R McCutcheon, Shelbi J Wagner LOCATION, TIME Sears Recital Hall, 11:00-12:00 Student musicians will present a program of string chamber music.

Honors Recital Audition

College of Arts and Sciences: Music Performance - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Connor P Fuhrmann, Holly Patricia Gyenes, Devanne Nicole Hargis, Gabriella M Klotz, Ian A Mortensen, Kristen Elizabeth Ney, Victoria C Obermeier, Danielle M Reynolds, Timothy D Schroeder, Ann E Scott, Matthew D Stevenson, Elizabeth M Turnwald ADVISORS Phillip C Magnuson LOCATION, TIME Sears Recital Hall, 1:00-2:30 The Honors Recital Audition is an annual event presented by the Department of Music. From September to March, the music faculty evaluate all student performances from our weekly Friday recital. The twelve students with the highest rankings are eligible to compete in this audition for one of the six spots on our Honors Recital, which will be held Friday, 28 April.

Student Songwriter Concert / Guitar Students of Jim McCutcheon College of Arts and Sciences: Music

Performance - Course Project, 201710 MUS 399 40 STUDENTS Caleb J Baron, Jessica L Bullock, Adam G Cepeda, Andrew J Fieler, Drew M Gaboury, Wyatt M Nagel, Christopher G Yakopcic ADVISORS James R McCutcheon LOCATION, TIME Sears Recital Hall, 3:00-4:00 Students of UD Artist-in-Residence Jim McCutcheon perform original songs and compositions.

Characterization of Refractive Index for Potassium Terbium Fluoride College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS John D Kunkel ADVISORS Said Elhamri D.E.Zelmon (Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH) LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Potassium Terbium Fluoride (KTF) has the potential for application as an effective optical isolator. It would be valuable for use in high-power laser systems to prevent reflected beams from coupling back into the pump laser. Characterization of the material, including the dependence of the refractive index on wavelength and temperature, are important for incorporating KTF into these laser systems. The method of minimum deviation was used to measure the refractive index for wavelengths ranging from 0.400 to 5.20 microns and in temperatures ranging from 20 to 225Â°C. Results of this characterization will be presented.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Comparison of the bandgaps of Ga-containing and Ga-free type II superlattices via photoluminescence measurements College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Logan E Cordonnier ADVISORS Said Elhamri Heather J. Haugan, John J. Hudgins; (Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, WPAFB, OH) LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 A 532 nm laser was used to obtain the photoluminescence spectra of GaSb/InAs and InAs/InAsSb type II superlattices at 5 K using a variety of power settings (10mW-2W). The main goal of these measurements was to obtain the bandgap of each investigated sample. The data was fit with a Gaussian/Voigt function. The maximum of the fitted curve corresponded to the bandgap of the sample. The bandgap energies of thee Ga-containing and Ga-free superlattices were then compared. Preliminary data suggests that while bandgap ranges were broader for Ga-free samples, indicating more defects, Ga-free materials are viable alternatives to Gacontaining materials for optical applications based on the intensity and consistency of their photo-response.

Computational Lithography for Electromagnetic Wave Propogation in Photoresist College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Course Project, 201710 PHY 570 01

STUDENTS David J Lombardo ADVISORS Andrew M Sarangan, Ivan Sudakov LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 The details of how photo resist is exposed during lithography processes are extremely important to optimizing fabrication. Features such as sloped sidewalls, undercut, scalloping can be caused by the diffraction, absorption and reflection of light as it passed through the layers of mask, resist and substrate. A current method of simulating this process is with a full Finite Difference Time Domain process, which is computationally intensive and time consuming. In this project I propose and demonstrate a forward/backward spatial propagation simulation without time steps, which will capture the full electromagnetic solution including diffraction and reflections. By combining this with physical Dill Parameters of the resist a complete picture of the exposing process can be efficiently created.

Crystalline Quality and Surface Roughness Optimization of Hetero-Epitaxial Titanium Nitride on Sapphire College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Hadley Anna Smith ADVISORS Said Elhamri B.M. Howe, L. Grazulis, M. Hill, A.N. Reed (Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, WPAFB, OH) LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 In this project we optimized the growth of hetero-epitaxial titanium nitride (TiN) on sapphire using controllably unbalanced reactive magnetron sputtering. TiN is a mechanically-robust, high-temperature stable metallic material; these properties make TiN a material of interest for robust electrodes and resilient plasmonics. We adjusted deposition parameters such as external coil current, temperature, nitrogen/argon ratio, growth time and magnetron power to optimize the crystalline quality and surface morphology of TiN. Post-growth, we measured crystallinity using X-ray diffraction, and surface morphology using atomic force microscopy. X-ray diffraction showed a single TiN peak with pendellösung fringes; from these fringes we obtained a film thickness of ~50 nm. Atomic force microscopy showed a surface roughness of ~168 pm. Based on this characterization, we determined that the deposition parameters outlined in this presentation yielded (111)-oriented epitaxial TiN with minimal surface roughness. This optimization is a crucial first step in maximizing TiN’s usefulness in the above mentioned applications.

Hall Effect Studies of LPCVD grown ß-Ga2O3 on Sapphire College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Danielle E Smith ADVISORS Said Elhamri Adam T. Neal (Air Force Research Lab, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, WPAFB, OH; Universal Technology Corporation, Dayton, OH), Hongping Zhao (Case Western Reserve University, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Cleveland, OH), Shin Mou (Air Force Research Lab, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, WPAFB, OH) LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 With its ultra-wide bandgap of 4.5-4.9 eV and large breakdown electronic field, ß-Ga2O3 has recently attracted attention because of its potential for next generation power electronics applications. The estimated breakdown field for ß-Ga2O3 is 8 MV/cm, much

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES larger than 2.5 MV/cm for 4H-SiC and 3.3 MV/cm for GaN, which could enable power electronics with larger power density and greater efficiency [1]. Also, Ga2O3 has the potential to be more cost-efficient in mass production than other wide bandgap materials due to its ability to be synthesized through standard melt growth methods [2]. With this motivation, this study examines the electronic properties of ß-Ga2O3 via temperature dependent Hall effect measurements. The Ga2O3 was grown on c-face sapphire substrates via low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) using liquid metal gallium and oxygen precursors, with silicon dopants introduced via SiC4 gas. [3] Hall effect measurements were performed to determine carrier density and mobility as a function of temperature. The sign of the Hall voltage indicates that the Ga2O3 is an n-type material with electrons as majority carriers. The temperature dependence of the carrier density indicates activation energies of 10.7 meV and 10.1 meV for the Si dopant using samples with room temperature electron densities of 2×10 18 cm-3 and 3×10 18 cm-3 , respectively. Among several samples, the highest measured mobility was 34 cm2/Vs at room temperature and 40 cm2/Vs at 150K. These results indicate the potential of LPCVD grown Si-doped Ga2O3 for next generation semiconductor power electronics applications. [1] Applied Physics Letters 100, 013504 (2012) [2] Applied Physics Letters 103, 123511 (2013) [3] Applied Physics Letters 109, 132103 (2016)

Modeling Satellite to Planet Fly-by College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Course Project, 201710 PHY 570 01

STUDENTS Joshua M Lynch ADVISORS Ivan Sudakov LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 The purpose of this project will be to simulate a satellite performing a planetary fly-by. The problem will be modeled in python using a two body simulation. Computation will be performed using numerical methods. Expected result is for satellite total energy to be higher, or decreased depending on approach (leading edge vs trailing edge fly-by). Resulting velocity and energy changes will be compared to the analytical solution.

On the Hall Effect Measurements College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Gina M Lucia ADVISORS Mohamed Ahoujja, Said Elhamri LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 The Hall Effect has long been the standard experimental technique to measure the free carrier concentration, mobility and resistivity in semiconductor materials. In this presentation, we will describe in details the functions of all the equipment of our Hall Effect setup in our laboratory on campus. Because the Hall system is fully automated and controlled by a computer, the emphasis will be focused on explaining how the measurements are made and how the calculated carrier concentration, mobility and resistivity are obtained as a function of temperature from these measurements.

Simulation of Lagrangian point orbits using Python College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Course Project, 201710 PHY 470 01

STUDENTS Hunter Reed Johnston ADVISORS Ivan Sudakov LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 The study of Lagrangian points, also known as libration points, has become a focus of much astrodynamical research, with possible uses for low-thrust trajectory optimization for a plethora of spacecraft missions. Lagrangian points are positions in any orbital configuration of two large bodies (ie. Earth and Moon) where a small object can maintain a stable position in relation to the larger bodies. A few planets in our solar system have natural satellites orbiting these points and in the Earth-Moon system, artificial satellites have been placed in libration point orbits for a variety of purposes. To utilize these orbits and study these 3-body problems, simulations are very useful in visualizing the three-dimensional, quasi-periodic orbits. This research looks to model satellite orbits around these Lagrangian points using Python programming language to predict position and velocity of the object relative to the Lagrangian point fixed coordinate system. Using Python’s plethora of visual graphics packages, the three-dimensional, quasi-period nature of the orbits will be effectively modeled and displayed to produce a greater understanding of the nature of these types of orbits.

Spontaneous Anti-Ferromagnetic Change of State on a 2D Ising Lattice Simulation via Metropolis Monte-Carlo College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Course Project, 201710 PHY 570 01 STUDENTS John A Hennen ADVISORS Ivan Sudakov

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 The Ising Model has been a staple demonstration tool of thermal properties since 1920. It proves an attractive basis for exploring statistical mechanical properties of stochastic processes, and the power of computational methods in modeling stochastic processes. Using a nearest neighbor coupling energy model on the 2-D surface with periodic boundary conditions, it is proposed to model magnetic spin evolution in varying temperature. We randomly assign either spin up or spin down to each lattice point and utilize a Monte-Carlo approach to the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm to ascertain whether nearest neighbors are in a stationary state or not. The anti-ferromagnetic state of nearest neighbors (all neighbors having opposite spin) will only remain if the lattice temperature remains below a certain point. By initializing with random spin, applying nearest-neighbor coupling energies and periodically reducing the temperature, we will see a sudden state change where the lattice goes from randomly spinned, to perfectly anti-ferromagnetic and this will occur at a consistent state change temperature.

Stellar Accretion Disks

College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Course Project, 201710 PHY 570 01

STUDENTS Sarah E Krug ADVISORS Ivan Sudakov LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Many stars are found in binary systems. If the two starsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; orbits are close enough together the more massive, or primary, star can pull matter from the less massive companion star. The stream of matter falling toward the primary forms an accretion disk around the star. The accretion disk, the matter that hits the star, and the orbital cycle of the system cause fluctuations in brightness that can be detected by telescope observations. A computer model of an accretion disk is presented that simulates some of the parameters that may affect brightness. The results will be compared to existing measurements of binary systems.

Stress-optic coefficient of potassium terbium fluoride College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS William B Poston ADVISORS Said Elhamri D. E.Zelmon (Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH) LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Potassium terbium fluoride (KTF) is a material proposed to act as an optical isolator. Optical isolators are employed in high power laser systems in which reflected beams must be prevented from coupling into the pump laser. The stress-optic coefficient relates mechanical stress to the birefringence it induces. At high power, strains in the lasing material change the refractive index of the lasing material, which can distort the output beam. The stress-optic coefficient is thus a crucial measurement for the design of laser cavities that employ optical isolators. The stress-optic coefficient for KTF was obtained by applying mechanical stress to a sample and measuring the output intensity of a laser shone through the sample. The change in intensity with applied pressure is a result of the change in refractive index of the sample, through the stress-optic effect. The stress-optic coefficient of KTF was determined and is reported.

The computational analysis of the radial distribution function in a many body, Lennard Jones system College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Course Project, 201710 PHY 570 01

STUDENTS Gregg Legters ADVISORS Ivan Sudakov LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 This work presents the development of a computational approach to evaluate the radial distribution function for a large ensemble of particles with Lennard-Jones interactions. Whereas the equilibrium distance between two Lennard-Jones bodies can be analytically determined, the analysis of the average interaction distance in a non-crystalline many-body system must be performed numerically. Furthermore, a distribution function for the particle density surrounding a particle gives a more detailed description of the structure of the medium than just the average distance. For this moving, stochastic, and finite temperature system of particles, a velocity verlet algorithm was implemented to simulate an ensemble of particles whose interactions are sufficiently described by the Lennard-Jones potential. Periodic boundary conditions were used, and an algorithm to sample the radial distribution function, g(r), was written. Both the time average and the evolution of g(r) are presented.

Efficient Harvesting of Solar Energy with Metasurfaces College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Graduate Research

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES STUDENTS Md Shah Alam ADVISORS Chenglong Zhao LOCATION, TIME Fitz Hall Room 580, 1:00-1:15 This project focuses on the design of metasurface embedded in luminescence material to enhance the conversion efficiency of solar energy. Sunlight of only certain energies work efficiently to create electricity, and at higher energies or shorter wavelengths much of it is either reflected off the solar cell or wasted as heat. Around 47% of the solar energy gets converted to heat which further downgrade the solar energy conversion efficiency. Because of this, a typical commercial solar cell has an efficiency of 15% and theoretical maximum efficiency of a solar cell using current techniques is in the 30% range. To improve the solar cell efficiency here we have poposed to use metasurfaces embedded in luminescence material to boost the light harvesting ability. The luminescence material downconverts the broadband solar energy into a narrow band at higher wavelengths which in turn considerably decrease the ohmic / heat loss of conventional photovoltaic cells and provides a net improvement of the overall efficiency. In this project we have designed metasurface which offer remarkable luminescence / near field enhancement with higher far field transmission through the metasurface. This designed metasurface provides the foundation of highly directional and enhanced emission at the specified narrow band of downconverted solar light which will greatly boost the energy density of the luminescence light and increase the efficiency of power harvesting in solar cell.

Cost-effective 3D Nano-fabrication Technique through Optothermally Generated Bubbles College of Arts and Sciences: Physics Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Farzia Karim ADVISORS Chenglong Zhao LOCATION, TIME Fitz Hall Room 580, 1:15-1:30 This project focuses on the development of an efficient, cost-effective and easily-executed technique for 3D nano-fabrication. Most of the state-of-art nano-fabrication techniques need high vacuum environment and multiple steps to fabricate the desired pattern which made them expensive and time-consuming approaches. Moreover, most of them are two dimensional (2D) ex-situ technique i.e fabrication, characterization, and application of nano-structures are performed at different location and time. In order to overcome these limitations, a robust, easily-implemented and widely-accessible technique for 3D nano-fabrication is proposed here. The proposed technique works based on optical printing of nanoparticles through optothermally generated bubbles. Through laser induced heating of metallic nanoparticles such as gold nano-particles (GNPs), micro-bubbles are generated due to opto-thermal effect of GNPs. Particles located around the surface of a bubble can be attracted towards a bubble through drag force resulting from convective flow. While the particles come in contact with bubble’s surface, particles are trapped on the surface due to the balance between surface tension and pressure forces. This will allow randomly distributed nanoparticles to effectively print on bubble’s surface. Multiple bubbles are generated and nanoparticles are printed on bubble’s surface and thus make an efficient nanofabrication technique. The proposed fabrication does not require vacuum since it is executed in aqueous solution and also multiple materials can be fabricated in 3D at a single crystal level. It is an in-situ method i.e. fabrication, characterization and application of nanostructures are conducted simultaneously on a single chip at a consistent environment. Through these unique features this bubble-based 3D nanofabrication technique will boost fabrication efficiency, reduce manufacturing cost, allows for on-chip fabrication and can be used in several fields such as photonics, biology, optoelectronics, micromachines, MEMS, military, aerospace, energy harvesting, sensing, storage, medical industries and so on.

An Analysis of International Adoption in Relation to Nationalist Sentiment College of Arts and Sciences: Political Science Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Victoria S Szczechowski ADVISORS Nancy A Miller LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 My thesis project seeks to answer the question: Does the level of nationalist sentiment expressed by citizens of a country affect the restrictiveness of the country’s international adoption policy and the number of children adopted out? Current literature has examined the influence of the level of nationalism expressed in a country on adoptive parents in choosing from which country to adopt; however, no study has examined the link between nationalism and country-specific intercountry adoption policy. The variable of nationalist sentiment warrants study, for the Hague Convention posits that intercountry adoption is a valid option only if “a suitable family cannot be found in his or her [the adoptable child’s] State of origin” in order to preserve the child’s nationality of birth (Varnis, 2001: 42). This statement implies that domestic adoption is considered to be in the better interest of the child versus intercountry adoption. In addition to the fact that “nationalists might subscribe to the view that children ‘belong’ to their countries of birth and are better off growing up there (Leblang et al, 2015),” countries may be reluctant to act as sending countries in intercountry adoption because adopting out their children indicates an inability of the country to care for its children and thus “injures its national pride (Varnis, 2001).” Although current literature somewhat addresses nationalist sentiment in terms of its affect on intercountry adoption, no study has empirically examined the potential link between nationalist sentiment and actual adoption policy restrictiveness; therefore, my project analyzes this potential link.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Ferguson Voices: Disrupting the Frame

College of Arts and Sciences: Political Science Visual Arts Exhibition - Independent Research

STUDENTS Francesca Elizabeth Chaba, Steven J Dougherty, Bradley G Petrella, Leena Tarek Sabagh, Jada M Woods ADVISORS Joel Pruce LOCATION, TIME Marianist Hall Learning Space Commons, 1:00-2:00 The Moral Courage Project presents “Ferguson Voices: Disrupting the Frame,” a multimedia exhibit. This exhibit is an attempt to honor and showcase those who responded to the August 9, 2014 death of Michael Brown in and around Ferguson, Missouri by focusing on the stories of ordinary individuals who acted extraordinarily in the face of crisis. As a partnership between UD’s Human Rights Center and PROOF: Media for Social Justice, the Moral Courage Project consists of a faculty and student team working alongside practitioner partners. Team members will share their experiences and the stories gathered while on location in Ferguson. Installation will be on display April 3-7 in Marianist Hall Learning Space.

Political Science Capstone Experience: Southern Constitutions from Antebellum to Today College of Arts and Sciences: Political Science Oral Presentation - Course Project, 201710 POL 499 01

STUDENTS John P Adams, Alexander M Altick, Amanda E Bergmann, Raika N Casey, Mark Francis Digiandomenico, Kevin D Freier, Elizabeth Renee Hildebrandt, Christopher J Hoke, Kevin J Illg, Coletun E Long, Michael M Melrose, Nancy A Miller, Austin J Pirc, Catherine Sar ADVISORS Nancy A Miller LOCATION, TIME Marianist Hall Learning Space 217, 1:00-2:30 As part of the capstone experience in the Political Science major, students are required to engage in original scholarship and present their results in a public forum. This semester students in the capstone course have been engaged in a project that explores the evolution of state constitutional documents in the states of the U.S. South. Specifically, the groups are exploring how voting rights, civil rights, electoral structures and government structures evolved through the Antebellum, Civil War, Reconstruction, Redemption and Modern Eras.

Race for the Arctic: National Security Interests in the Far North College of Arts and Sciences: Political Science Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Matthew B Mackowiak ADVISORS Jaro M Bilocerkowycz LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 310, 2:20-2:40 As global temperatures rise, Arctic ice is melting, opening the door to northern trade routes and natural resources. The Russian Federation has recently taken steps to capitalize on this. This presentation addresses current events in Russian Arctic expansion as it relates to territorial claims, infrastructure development, and militarization. I draw from sources both domestic and foreign, analyzing data from media sources and government documents to assess the security environment of the region. I provide data tables and charts to illustrate Russian military base locations, naval vessels, and areas to which the Federation has laid claim in order to provide a comprehensive picture of the Arctic security environment. Finally, I conclude with a list of implications that may result from Russia’s aggressive actions in the region, and what this means for the national security interests of the United States.

Understanding the United Nations System College of Arts and Sciences: Political Science Panel Discussion - Course Project, 201710 POL 336 01

STUDENTS Amal M Alrasheed, Margaret K Boyd, Guisela M Crespo, Austin Joseph Dickison, Therese Christine Golonka, Charles S Hite, Grace M Maher, Rebecca S Rhein, Andrew K Scanlon, Royal Smith, Robert W Swanson, Anthony N Talbott, Yohaiza C Vega, Jeremy R Walden, Hayden S Wheeker, Yaxuan Yu ADVISORS Anthony N Talbott LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 331, 3:20-4:00 This panel will explore the origin, history, structure, roles, and responsibilities of the the United Nations and its associated agencies and nongovernmental organizations (i.e., the UN System). The panel will end with a discussion of the future of the UN System.

University of Dayton Mock Trial Team Demonstration College of Arts and Sciences: Pre-Law Program Performance - Course Project, 201710 PLW 302 M1

STUDENTS Mark B Bain, Bryan J Borodkin, Raika N Casey, Anna R Choquette, Kyle J Elderkin, Jacob H Kidd, Madeline R Parker, Sydney C Skidmore ADVISORS Laura H Hume

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union Torch Lounge, 2:30-15:30 Mock Trial is both a curricular and co-curricular offering housed within the Pre-Law Program open to students in any major, in any year where students can discern and act on their vocations by engaging in a wide range of activities, such as identifying their unique defining gifts, talents, and skills. Through engaging in competitive trial simulations with teams from other institutions, students who represent the University of Dayton by participating in Mock Trial competitions develop critical analytical thinking, public speaking, rhetoric, and persuasion skills. Students also develop, research and hone a knowledge of legal practices and procedures by working with a coaching staff drawn from a variety of legal practice fields. American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) competitions foster and reward ideals of leadership, civility, justice, and fair play. Today’s mock trial demonstration will be material excerpted from the 2016– 2017 AMTA season case, Riley Winter v. TBD, Inc., a civil case. Case Summary: Professional writer Riley Winter, age 50 at the time of termination, has sued an online magazine, TBD, Inc., for wrongful termination on the basis of age discrimination. The students participating in this demonstration from the case will be Anna Choquette as witness Riley Winter, Jacob Kidd as party representative for the defense, Sawyer Shaw, CEO of TBD, Inc., plaintiff attorneys Raika Casey, Sydney Skidmore, and Bryan Borodkin, and defense attorneys Madeline Parker, Mark Bain, and Kyle Elderkin. Time will be allowed at the end for questions.

Facilitating the Comprehension of Science Articles by Activating General Knowledge College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Yushu Sun ADVISORS Ronald M Katsuyama LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Many students struggle to comprehend text material or other reading assignments. This study investigates how the activation of general knowledge can facilitate necessary inference-making while reading science articles.Three articles were written for use in this study. Each participant was asked to read the articles, each under one of the following conditions: (1) Knowledge Activation Before Reading; (2) Activation After Reading; and (3) No Activation. (Treatment condition, treatment order, and article are counterbalanced within each block of 6 participants.)Following each treatment participants rated (on a 0-10 scale) the extent to which they comprehended the article. Subsequently, they answered “True” or “False” to each of 9 statements and, following each response, used the same 0-10 scale to rate their confidence in being correct. Three categories (each with 3 statements) occurred: (1) explicit information found in the text; (2) “text-based inferences” (i.e., statements directly implied given information in the text); and (3) “evaluative inferences” (i.e., statements not directly implied with information provided but, rather, implied contingent upon the availability of general knowledge). Test scores were derived from the sum of weighted correct responses (+1 times the corresponding confidence rating) and weighted incorrect responses (-1 times the corresponding confidence rating).We predicted that activation of knowledge prior to reading would have the largest facilitative effect upon comprehension and test scores associated with evaluative inferences. We also predicted that little or no effect of knowledge activation would occur for responses to explicit statements. The effect of knowledge activation after reading is interesting from both a theoretical and practical standpoint. We believe that skilled reading requires the availability of general knowledge while reading. Otherwise, students are unable to draw necessary inferences. We discuss implications of these findings for students and teachers.

Interfering with the Consolidation of Memory College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Kelly A Dunne, Alexander N Lawriw, McKenzie J Anderson ADVISORS Susan T Davis, Mark Matthews LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Research suggest that sleep improves memory. Specifically, memories are consolidated—incorporated within the context of previously established memory networks— during sleep (Rasch & Born, 2013). Studies indicate that memories are initially unstable after encoding and must be consolidated to become resistant to interference (Robertson, 2011). The objective of the present research was to examine how interrupting the encoding of a memory would interfere with later memory consolidation. Participants experienced a fake computer crash during their study (encoding) of pictures of common objects in a slideshow. While the experimenter attempted to “fix” the crash, participants completed an unrelated task to prevent rehearsal of the pictures. The slideshow resumed, showing the remaining pictures. One group of participants completed a recognition task of the pictures not long after viewing the slideshow. A second group of participants was asked to complete a delayed recognition task of the pictures via an online survey the following day. A third group of participants was asked to complete both the immediate recognition task, as well as the online delayed recognition task, the following day. Overall, we hypothesized that memory would be better for pictures that appeared near the beginning and the end of encoding, while pictures that were presented just before the interruption would be less likely to be remembered. Moreover, this last effect would be more pronounced on the second day because any memory consolidation that might have taken place would be disrupted. Finally, we expected two outcomes for the second day of testing: first, participants would be less confident in their assessment of their memory than they were on the first day of the experiment. However, participants would be just as and even more accurate in their memory for the pictures that we did not expect would be impacted by the interruption.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Motion-Induced Blindness: Where Does the Yellow Dot Go? College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Sara E Wetter ADVISORS Greg C Elvers LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Motion Induced Blindness (MIB) is a phenomenon of visual disappearance or perceptual illusions observed in the lab, in which stationary visual stimuli, or targets, disappear as if erased in front of an observer’s eyes when masked with a moving background. The current study sought to investigate this optical illusion by investigating two competing theories of motion induced blindness – attention (target blindness is due to a lack of attention) vs scotoma / perceptual filling-in (target blindness is due to the visual system misinterpreting the target as a damaged part of the retina [scotoma] and the area is perceptually filled-in with the surround). Results on attention theory revealed less motion-induced blindness, contrary to past research. Scotoma / perceptual filling-in theory did not appear to have an effect on motion-induced blindness. Results will be discussed further and possible explanations for findings will be discussed.

Personality and Smell: Investigating Associations between Personality Pathology and Odor Detection, Identification and Hedonic Response College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Hannah B Gahimer, Rhiannon A Gibbs, Russell J Mach, Maia A Mclin, Lauren T Olson, Lisa E Stone, Julia K Wiedemann ADVISORS Julie Messinger LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Although personality has been shown to influence affective (Larsen & Kettelar, 1991) and sensory processing (Corlis, Splaver, & Wiseup, 1967; Wilson et al., 2000), very a few studies have investigated associations between olfaction and personality traits. Research findings do support a relation between neuroticism and increased odor detection sensitivity (Herbener et al, 1989; Pause et al., 1998) and more accurate odor identification (Larsson et al., 2000), although a more recent study found higher neuroticism in individuals with odor identification impairment compared to non-impaired healthy controls (Lehrner, Kirchebner, Auff, & Pusswald, 2015). To our knowledge, odor detection sensitivity, identification, and hedonic response have not been studied in relation to personality pathology. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between select pathological personality traits and olfactory function. University students (N = 68) completed the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) and olfactory function was assessed using the Sniffin’ Sticks odor detection and identification tests. Hedonic response to each odor was assessed with unipolar rating scales for odor pleasantness and odor unpleasantness. Results indicated a trending, negative correlation between Depressivity and odor detection sensitivity (r= -.235, p=.052) and a positive correlation between Depressivity and total pleasantness ratings of negatively valanced odorants (rs =.303, p=.012). Anxiousness was also positively associated with pleasantness ratings of the negatively valenced odorants (rs =.264, p=.030). When Anhedonia, Depressivity, and Anxiousness were entered into a regression model, Anhedonia (Beta = -.371, t = -2.32, p = .026) and Depressivity (Beta = .414, t = 2.284, p = .026) uniquely accounted for variability in total pleasantness ratings of all odorants. Important sex differences also emerged. Anhedonia was negatively associated with unpleasantness ratings of unpleasant odorants in males (r= -.450, p=.010), but not in females (r = .271, p=.109). Gender discrepancies were also apparent for impulsivity and antagonism. The implications of these findings on personality assessment research will be discussed.

Response Bias on the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Lisa E Stone, Sara E. Lowmaster ADVISORS Julie Messinger LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 While the validity and clinical utility of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5; Krueger, Derringer, Markon, Watson, and Skodol, 2012) has been established (e.g. Fossati, Krueger, Markon, Borroni, & Maffei, 2013), overlap between the wording of some items and wording of the response scale anchors is a potential limitation that, to our knowledge, has yet to be explored. Questionnaire responses can be affected by many factors, including positive vs negative wording (Kalton and Schuman, 1982), scale prompt order (Krosnick & Alwin, 1987), and exposure to extraneous information (Tversky & Kahneman, 1974). The PID-5 contains the following four response scale anchors: 1) very false or often false, 2) sometimes or somewhat false, 3) sometimes or somewhat true, and 4) very true or often true. Of the 220 items that comprise the PID-5, 46 contain the words sometimes, often, or very (e.g. “sometimes you need to exaggerate to get ahead”) which could potentially bias respondents towards the response anchors containing the same words. This study will investigate whether item-wording biases responses on the PID-5. University undergraduate students (estimated N = 100) will complete the PID-5, and response frequencies on the 46 overlapping PID-5 items will be examined using chi-square and compared to response frequencies on the 174 non-overlapping items. Discussion will address the implication of these findings for clinical practice and future research.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

The Effect of Motivation Factors on Group Performance College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Kacie M Kinkade, Gabriella L Silone ADVISORS Susan T Davis, Mark Matthews LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Research suggests that people exert less effort when working in a group compared to working individually, and groups often have trouble coordinating their efforts (Emich, 2014). These effects are partially explained by transpersonal efficacy, an individual’s confidence in another’s ability to produce a specific outcome and which can motivate performance on a task (Emich, 2012). However, extant research has been limited to physical performance tasks, such as basketball. The present research investigates the effects of over-confidence and motivational factors on group performance within an academic sphere. In this study, groups of three to four participants will work together to complete logic puzzles. Prior to working on the puzzles, we will assess participants’ baseline motivation to perform well. The expectations about the difficulty of a performance task will be manipulated by telling some groups that the task will be easy and others that the task will difficult. The participants will then estimate how well they will perform on the puzzles, work on the puzzles as a group, and complete follow-up questions assessing motivation, effort, and individual and group performance. We hypothesize that groups led to believe that the puzzles are difficult will put in more effort, not perform as well, and be less confident in their correct answers than groups who are led to believe that the puzzles are easy (Merkle, 2009; Pelham, DeHart, & Carvallo, 2001), thus demonstrating under-confidence. However, we hypothesize that groups who are led to believe that the puzzles are easy will put in less effort, perform better, and be more confident in their correct answers than the groups led to believe that the puzzles are difficult, thus demonstrating over-confidence. We predict that both groups will complete the same amount of puzzles regardless of the informed difficulty of the questions, even though motivation and effort will vary.

The Relationship between Divorce, Parenting, and Childhood Outcomes College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Lisa E Stone ADVISORS Jackson A Goodnight LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Recent research has focused on how divorce can potentially cause and contribute to adjustment problems in children, such as behavioral and emotional problems (Donahue, et. al, 2010; Hetherington & Stanley-Hagan, 1999; Price & Kunz, 2003). Multiple factors can mediate and moderate the relationship between divorce and negative outcomes, causing certain children to be more susceptible to the effects of divorce than others. Parenting can change drastically after divorce, such as decreased amount and quality of time spent with parents. Researchers suggest that this change in parenting can mediate the relationship between divorce and negative child adjustment, with negative parenting characteristics increasing the likelihood of negative adjustment (Forehand, Thomas, Wierson, Brody, & Fauber, 1990; Martinez & Forgatch, 1999; Lansford, 2009). The present study examined how parenting is related to the relationship between divorce and juvenile delinquency and the relationship between divorce and depression. It was hypothesized that parenting, as measured by maternal emotional support, would mediate the effects of divorce on both delinquency and depression. Data came from an extensive, nationally representative longitudinal study, consisting of both mothers and their offspring, totaling approximately 11,500 participants. Analyses explored both the direct relationship between divorce and delinquency/depression and the indirect relationship between divorce, parenting, and delinquency/depression. Results indicated that divorce predicts lower levels of maternal emotional support, which predicts higher levels of delinquency. Results also indicated that there is a direct relationship between divorce and delinquency, meaning that parenting only accounted for a portion of the effects of divorce on delinquency. Results also showed that there was not a mediated relationship between divorce, maternal emotional support, and depression, meaning that divorce and parenting did not predict levels of depression. It is important to identify what factors moderate and mediate the effects of divorce because identification of the factors can lead to potential positive interventions.

Where to Catch a Lie

College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Michael Brannon Dosedel, Lauren E Murphy, Elliot D Buccieri ADVISORS Susan T Davis, Mark Matthews LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 This study in-progress explores the relationship between social awareness, deception detection, and eye movement patterns exhibited during deception detection. Specifically, we are searching for patterns in visual attention to facial/body areas during the evaluation of honesty that correspond to correct detection of lies. During this experiment, participants will complete a questionnaire to gauge their social awareness (i.e., cognizance of the indications of others’ needs and motivations in social situations). Subsequently, they will be fit with an eye-movement tracking device and watch a video of a college-aged actor pretending to be a student. In this role, the actor will be responding to questions about his personal experiences and behaviors while in college. We will instruct the actor to lie on half of his responses. While watching the video, participants will decide whether they perceive the actor’s responses to be honest or dishonest. In the results, we expect to find a positive correlation between level of social awareness and detection of

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES deception. That is, participants who are more socially aware will be more likely to detect accurately when the actor is lying. Further, we expect to find patterns of participantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; eye movements, eye fixations, and gaze paths that correspond with the ability to detect deception. That is, these patterns will indicate consistent attention to those areas of face (e.g., eyes and mouth) and body (e.g., body language and hand-to-face movements) that have been shown to produce reliable cues for detecting deception (e.g., Bond, 2008).

A Biological Perspective: The Effects of Line Style on Arc Curvature Perception College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Thomas E Boggs ADVISORS Greg C Elvers LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The visual system often misperceives the curvature of arcs. The current study investigated the role the primary visual cortex (V1) and area V4 of the occipital lobe play in arc perception. Past research has demonstrated that the V4 response is responsible for curvature detection and perception. The V4 response is directly proportional to the amount of excitation of V1 simple cells. By manipulating the style of the line that the arc is drawn in (solid, dotted), fewer simple cells in V1 should be excited therefore causing a smaller response in the curvature detectors of V4. Male and female university students, in independent groups, adjusted the size of a circle to match the curvature of the arc in nine different trials of varying arc radius and arc length. Participants saw a solid line arc or a dotted arc. The dotted arc should appear to be less curved than the solid arc due to less excitation from the V1 simple cells. Preliminary results did not indicate a significant main effect of line style (solid, dotted). Preliminary results did indicate a significant effect of length, a significant effect of radius, and a significant radius with line style interaction. The preliminary results agree with past research by suggesting shorter arcs tend to be underestimated more than larger arcs. By determining how the amount of excitation of V1 simple cells are related to veridical curvature detection, we better understand how the brain processes curvature.

Behind the Stigma: An Examination of the Impact of Gender and College Adjustment on Attitudes Towards Mental Health Disorders College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Maggie L Inman ADVISORS Melissa J Layman-Guadalupe LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The topic of stigmatization of mental health disorders and use of psychological services has been widely researched. Gender differences have been found in attitudes regarding acceptability and treatment of mental health disorders, with adherence to gender roles influencing these attitudes. Past research has confined gender to a binary model of self-report and has not explored the concept of nontraditional gender roles; nor has it examined the influence of social factors, namely college adjustment, on perceptions of mental health. With many studies utilizing undergraduate students, it is important to understand how college adjustment may affect attitudes toward mental health. This study tested three hypotheses: that men and women with more feminine gender roles will display more accepting attitudes toward individuals with mental health disorders, that men and women with poorer college adjustment will also display more accepting attitudes toward these individuals, and that the relationship between college adjustment and attitudes towards mental disorders will be moderated by gender role traits. Participants were PSY 101 students and received research credit for their participation. Correlations and regression analyses were used to compare responses between groups based on gender role traits and college adjustment. Results indicated no significant relationship between gender roles and attitudes towards mental disorders, but a significant relationship was found between college adjustment and these attitudes, with poorer college adjustment predicting more negative attitudes towards mental disorders. The study also found that gender role traits strengthen this relationship between college adjustment and attitudes towards mental disorders. Results of this study could help reduce mental disorder stigma by identifying which factors contribute to the stigmatization. The results could also help university counseling centers to normalize mental disorders and psychological services by using advertising to target the least accepting demographic.

College Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Perceptions of Campus Acquaintance Rape College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Mollie C McDaniel ADVISORS Dario Rodriguez LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00

Sexual Violence is an epidemic on college campuses today. One in ve women are affected by sexual violence at some point during their college career. Female college students ages 18-25 are three times more likely than women of other ages to experience sexual violence. A survey of 1,882 male students found that 6.4% of men self-reported perpetrating sexual violence on college campuses. In a more recent study done on Navy recruits, 13-15% self-reported committing acts of sexual violence before joining the military. The debate in the community now focuses not only on the percentages of men who perpetrate, but also on who these perpetrators are. Diverging interpretations have implications for the role of individual differences in identifying those at risk of offending. This project seeks to uncover the thoughts, evaluations, characteristics and individual differences of college men and the type of college man

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES who might commit sexual violence by measuring participants’ endorsement of male gender norms, their acceptance of rape myths, their self-reported coercive sexual behavior history, and their evaluations of a hypothetical acquaintance rape scenario.

Combining Blocked and Interleaved Presentation during Passive Study and its Effect on Inductive Learning College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Emily G Wright ADVISORS Robert J Crutcher LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Researchers and educators alike are interested in improving inductive learning, as instructional methods are greatly influenced by knowledge of how to present examples of category membership for later classification. Past research has shown that interleaved presentation, which involves the presentation of a member of one category followed by a member of another category, produces better recall when compared to blocked presentation, which involves the sequential presentation of all members of a single category before presenting all members of another category. The benefits of interleaved and blocked presentation are influenced by a number of factors, including whether study items are learned actively or passively, and whether items are repeated during study. Previous research found that repeating study items resulted in a benefit of blocked over interleaved presentation when items were studied actively. However, the effect of repetition during passive study, as well as the combination of both blocked and interleaved presentation during repeated study, remains unknown. This investigation used a repeated study paradigm to evaluate a new approach to category learning: a combined method which involves the presentation of study items in blocks followed by the repeated presentation of the same study items in interleaved order. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interleaved versus blocked presentation when participants study items passively. The hypotheses were that completing combined presentation would result in higher test performance than interleaved or blocked presentation alone, and that interleaved presentation would result in higher performance than blocked presentation. Results indicated that those who studied using the combined or interleaved presentation methods outperformed those who studied using the blocked presentation; however, there was no significant difference in test performance when comparing those who studied using combined presentation and those who studied using interleaved presentation.

Effects of Playing Computerized versus Tactile Learning Games on Preschoolers’ Attention Skills and Comprehension: A Pilot Study College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Samantha A Malick ADVISORS Mary Fuhs LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The ability to attend to relevant information and resist attention to distractors is important for children’s cognitive development. Much has been written in the news about the impact of electronic media on children’s development of attention skills, but little research has been done explicitly comparing children’s attention to relevant information and resistance to distractions across activities that are presented as either a computerized or tactile learning game. The goal of this study is to compare levels of attention and distraction among preschool-aged children while they engage in a common childhood activity, playing a board game which has shown to be helpful in teaching children about the number line, which is either presented in a computerized or tactile format. Also, comparing children’s basic comprehension of the game across conditions will provide information on whether tactile or computerized games are more beneficial for children to get the most out of the task. Previous research is mixed on the potential benefits of computerized activities compared to tactile versions. I hypothesized that while children’s visual attention may be greater while playing the computerized game, the use of tactile pieces and the tactile game itself may serve as an interactive way to boost comprehension. I hypothesized that children will have greater comprehension of the game when it is a tactile board game. I observed a sample of 12 children and their parents playing either the computerized or tactile version of Linear Numbers Board Game (Seglar & Ramani, 2009). Children’s attention, distraction, and understanding was coded to determine how computerized and tactile games affect these skills.

Executive Functioning Skills in Preschoolers with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared to Typically Developing Peers College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Kelsey A Clayback ADVISORS Mary Fuhs LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 This study examined executive functioning (EF) skills of children ages 3 to 6 (M = 53.85 months; SD = 10.79 months) with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) compared to a control group of typically developing peers. Previous research has inconsistently noted EF deficits in children with HFASD compared to children with typical development (Corbett, Constantine,

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Hendren, Rocke & Ozonoff, 2009; Happé, Booth, Charlton & Hughes, 2006). This research sought to further examine EF in children with HFASD. Methods used to evaluate EF in both groups included the Day/Night Task (Gerstadt, Hong, & Diamond, 1994) to measure inhibitory control, the Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS; Zelasko, 2006) to measure attentional shift and Corsi Blocks (Berch, Krikorian, & Huha, 1998) to measure working memory. Participants included children with HFASD (N = 12) ages 4 to 6 (M = 66.67 months; SD = 9.60 months) attending a clinical treatment program. A diagnosis of ASD was determined clinically using the ADI-R (total ADI-R M = 36.83; SD = 9.06); high-functioning was determined by an IQ greater than 70 measured by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children IV (M = 103.25; SD = 11.76). Additionally, participants included a comparison group of preschoolers (N = 57) ages 3 to 5 (M = 51.16 months; SD = 8.99 months) recruited from a midwestern metropolitan area. We controlled for age, gender and verbal abilities. Results indicated deficits in cognitive flexibility/attentional shift in the HFASD group when controlling for age, gender and language [F(1, 64) = 12.777, p < .001]. Differences in inhibitory control [F(1, 64) = .466, p = .497] and working memory [F(1, 64) = .255, p = .619] were not significant.This research has implications for the future direction of research on HFASD. Specifically, future research should further consider the nature of deficits in EF in order to better understand EF development in HFASD. Additionally, these research findings have implications for treatment and target skills for children with HFASD.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Chronically-Ill College Students: Examining Influential Constructs College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Morgan E Longstreth ADVISORS Jacob Burmeister LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The typical college student faces a number of challenges during their pursuit of higher education. Adding chronic illness to the fragile equation of identity development, establishing and fostering relationships, and academic pressures that occur during the college years provides significant impediment to such development. While academic functioning in these individuals is widely assessed, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is equally worthy of research and has arguably further reaching influence if better understood. There is little research examining how chronic symptoms affect the wellbeing of college students. Further investigation is needed in order to better understand and treat the difficulties these students face. Four HRQoL-related constructs hypothesized to have a special impact on those with chronic illnesses were selected to be studied in the present research: illness-related stigma, psychosocial functioning, coping skills, and psychological health (specifically depression and anxiety). Using an online survey platform, each construct is measured in individuals who self-identify as having a chronic illness. Constructs are examined using validated psychological measures, specifically with respect to symptom avoidance, illness intrusiveness, stigma, and mental health. Such research aims to provide insight into the college student’s illness experience, and how academicians, psychological and physical health care providers, and parents, peers, and students can better understand and meet the needs of the chronically ill college student.

Idealization, Maintenance Behaviors, and Infidelity Among Couples in Long Distance Relationships College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Ellen F Krueger, Angel Luis, Emily N Panella, Hind Sallih, Gabriella M Vargas ADVISORS Lee J Dixon LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Long distance relationships (LDR) are becoming more common, even though romantic partners are typically characterized as being closer in proximity. There are other reasons couples are in LDR other than separation or divorce, these include: attaining an educational degree, pursuing careers, military deployment, and emigration. Relational maintenance behaviors are used to preserve and improve the relationship and thus increase and maintain relationship satisfaction. Idealization is a specific maintenance behavior in which a partner unrealistically focuses on the positive aspects of their partner and relationship, remembering less disagreements or areas of contention. LDR couples tend to idealize each other more because of geographical distance and lack of physical proximity. Physical and/or emotional infidelity can be due to: sexuality, emotional satisfaction, social context, attitudes-norms, and revenge-hostility. From an evolutionary perspective, men have the opportunity to have a LDR with a partner but are also afforded the opportunity to cheat and “get away” with it, potentially having more chances at having viable offspring. This study examined how maintenance behaviors impact cheating in long distance relationships. The over-arching hypothesis for this study is even when engaging in maintenance behaviors (which increase or maintain relationship satisfaction) individuals in romantic relationships will still cheat on their partner. Additionally, a specific maintenance behavior, idealization, will an additionally mediate the relationship between maintenance behaviors. However we predict there will be gender differences such that males will idealize their partner less and be more likely engage in infidelity, whereas females will idealize their partner more and will engage in infidelity to a significantly lesser extent than males.

Keeping Your Friends Close: Perceived Distance as a Function of Psychological Closeness College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Graduate Research

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES STUDENTS Sierra F Corbin ADVISORS Benjamin R Kunz LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Traditionally, visual-spatial perception research has focused quite heavily on the visual information necessary to perceive the environment and the locations of objects within that space. Recent research has illustrated that non-visual factors like our emotional states, motivations and physical abilities affect not just the ways we behave, but may also affect how we perceive the environment. Social factors may also impact the way we see the space around us. This study sought to investigate whether feelings of psychological closeness to another person influenced the perception of spatially-oriented characteristics (e.g. perceived distance) of that person. In short, this study asked whether we perceived people with whom we share social ties to be physically closer than people we do not know. This research intended to determine whether psychological closeness affected perceived physical interpersonal distance using a variety of indicators of perceived egocentric (self-to-target) distance. Fifty undergraduate students were recruited from introductory psychology courses at the University of Dayton. Participants made several estimates of the distance between himself or herself and another “target” person. This target person represented either someone with whom the participant shared a relationship or a stranger. I hypothesized that an individual’s feelings of psychological closeness to someone considered a best friend would lead to the perception of closer visual-spatial proximity to a visual representation of that friend than to a visual representation of a stranger. This project contributes to a growing body of literature illustrating non-visual contributions to the perception of egocentric distance and spatial cognition.

Mindfulness for More: Piloting a Mindfulness Program for Underserved Populations College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Chelsey N Parker ADVISORS Jacob Burmeister LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Interventions engaging individuals in mindfulness practices and activities are being used to improve a variety of physical and mental ailments in many different populations. The body of research on mindfulness is rapidly growing. However, there is a notable lack of research regarding the utilization of mindfulness-based interventions among some of the most stressed populations such as those with insecure housing. The proposed study will pilot a new mindfulness program in two gateway facilities utilized by men and women with insufficient housing. Although the focus of the proposed research is on the development of the program, a small N’s design will be used to measure the change for each participant on pre- and post-tests, analyzing within-subject group variance on a state-based measurement of anxiety. The goal of the proposed research is to determine whether it is feasible for a mindfulness intervention to be implemented into a residence shelter.

The additional cost of streaming sites: binge watching and associated mental health outcomes College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Julia C Carroccio, Thomas R Lawler, Alexandra N Malsch, Chelsey N Parker, David A Rivetti ADVISORS Jacob Burmeister LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Binge watching has rapidly become a norm for the general public, with more than 80% of subscribers reporting binge watching at least once (Netflix, 2014; TiVo, 2015). The present study tested whether binge watching frequency and duration are associated with poor mental health. A primary interest was an examination of the relationship between the number of binges per week and depression and anxiety. Participants were recruited online via Mechanical Turk (N = 338) and given a number of different measures of psychosocial functioning, including the Center for Epidemiological Studies of Depression (CES-D-10) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire. Binge watching was measured as frequency per week and length of binge activity. Analyses comparing individuals who binged once or twice a week to those who binged 3 or more times per week revealed a nonlinear relationship between binge frequency and mental health. Qualitative data about how viewers define binge watching was also examined and revealed that the majority of participants did not define binge watching with a negative connotation. The results of this study suggest that for most people, binge watching is likely just another way of consuming media; however, for some, binge watching may be a marker of poor emotional health. High levels of binge watching for those with high depression and anxiety could reflect an adaptive coping response, or act as a form of avoidance coping.

The Effect of Depersonalization and Derealization Symptoms on Olfaction and Olfactory Hedonics College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Rhiannon A Gibbs ADVISORS Julie Messinger LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Depersonalization and derealization symptoms affect sensation, perception, and emotion, and typically result in subjective experiences of unreality and affective numbing (Simeon, 2004). Abnormalities in the amygdala, which is known to be associated with emotional reactions such as anxiety and fear (LeDoux, 1993) have been observed in depersonalization and derealization and other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression (Sierra & Berrios, 1998). Olfactory deficits have been posited as a potential marker for psychiatric disorders, including depression (Atanasova, 2008). This may be due to the fact that within the brain, the olfactory system projects directly to the primary olfactory cortex, which includes the amygdala (Stockhorst & Pietrowsky, 2004). The relationship between depersonalization and derealization and olfactory function has yet to be examined. This study will investigate whether the presence of depersonalization and derealization symptoms is correlated with olfactory identification ability, odor threshold detection, and hedonic ratings of odors. It is hypothesized that: 1) odor identification ability will be negatively correlated with reported depersonalization and derealization symptoms; 2) odor detection threshold will be positively correlated with depersonalization and derealization symptoms; and 3) hedonic ratings of both pleasantness and unpleasantness of odors will be negatively correlated with depersonalization and derealization symptoms. Participants (N = 80) will be administered the Sniffin’ Sticks odor identification and threshold tests, rating scales of odor pleasantness and unpleasantness, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised, and the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale. Hypotheses will be analyzed using multiple regression analyses.

The Effects of Adolescent Housing Condition and Voluntary Exercise on Alcohol Intake and Stress Response in Male Long-Evans Rats College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Caroline A Lynch ADVISORS Tracy Butler LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Can regular exercise during adolescence, combined with living in a social environment, lead to lower stress levels and alcohol intake later in life? The aim of this research is to combine the variables of adolescent housing condition and voluntary exercise in the form of wheel running to discover the impact on rats’ subsequent response to a stressor and alcohol intake/preferences. Since chronic stress has been discovered to be linked to the development of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in humans, this study attempts to model this phenomenon in rats while incorporating a behavioral intervention with the intention of reducing the effects of chronic stress on anxiety-like behavior and alcohol intake/preference. Gaining an understanding of how housing condition and exercise can play a role in subsequent alcohol intake and stress hormone levels will be beneficial to understanding the physiological effects of chronic stress, and may be useful for the advent of new pharmacotherapies for individuals with an alcohol use disorder.

The Influence of Women’s Self-Esteem on Mating Decision Making Across the Menstrual Cycle College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Kathleen Dolores Golterman ADVISORS Erin O’Mara LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The proposed study seeks to determine if self-esteem has an influence on the decision- making process of choosing a mate. When women are ovulating, they are more attracted to men who are physically attractive and have strong genes in an effort to ensure reproductive success (i.e., a strong, healthy offspring). However, these men are typically unwilling to commit to any one woman and lack the desire for a committed relationship. However, recent research finds that when women are ovulating, they erroneously perceive attractive, genetically strong men as more willing to commit to them as long-term partners (Durante, Griskevicius, Simpson, Cantu, & Li, 2012). The proposed study extends this research by examining the role of women’s self- esteem in mating decisions. Women with high self-esteem may be more likely to perceive attractive, genetically strong men as more willing to be in a committed relationship, whereas women with low self-esteem might have more accurate appraisals of his commitment level.

The Relationship Between Parental Communications About Race and Their Children’s Racial Identity College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Briana J Moore ADVISORS Ronald M Katsuyama LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 While racial and ethnic identity (REI) has been studied extensively among older children and adults, we know little about its emergence in early childhood. Using measurements developed for this study, we investigate REI among kindergartners as well as its relationship with cross-race inclusion. In addition, we examine the contribution of parental communications (e.g., preparation for bias, ethnic pride, and egalitarianism) toward the development of REI.We determined African-American children’s individual preferences

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES for 6 different leisure activities (e.g., playing a musical instrument, playing a video game, etc.), establishing a rank order for each child. Subsequently, pairs of photographs were presented, each pair depicting two activities. Children were asked to pick the activity that would be “most fun.” While one photo depicted a Black child engaged in one activity, the other depicted a White child engaged in a different activity. Based upon each child’s baseline order of preferences, any unexpected choice was noted as a shift toward the “same-race” or “cross-race” model. A REI score is defined as the number of same-race minus cross-race shifts.REI scores were compared with scores obtained from two other tasks. The “Racial Inclusion Task” requires each child to select 4 children who they would like to invite to their birthday party. One-half of the potential choices are Black, while the remaining half are White. The “Activity Preference Task” requires children to rate how much fun it would be to participate in a variety of activities (e.g., a tug-of-war game). Each activity was depicted by a photograph of Black children or of White children.We predicted that parental communications involving ethnic pride would be related to REI scores, cross-race inclusion, and activities depicted by cross-race models. Implications of our findings for the development of positive racial identities and the encouragement of inclusive attitudes are discussed.

You Have the Right to...What? A Study of Americans’ Knowledge of Their Rights in Criminal Proceedings College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Anna M Marchiony ADVISORS Melissa A Berry LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 What do Americans really know about the rights they hold as citizens? How confidentare they in that knowledge? This project was designed to determine American citizens’knowledge of their legal rights and protections during criminal proceedings. A surveydesigned by the researchers asked participants to indicate if statements about various legal rightswere true or false, and to indicate their confidence in their answers. Demographicquestions included information about respondents’ fields of study/employment, contact with the criminal justicesystem, and viewership of crime-based television shows to determine if these factorsare associated with accuracy and/or confidence in responses. Descriptive patterns of results will be addressed.

Screening with Smell: Anhedonia, Affect, and Depressed Mood in a Sample of University Undergraduates College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Russell J Mach ADVISORS Julie Messinger LOCATION, TIME LTC Team Space, 1:00-1:20 Depression, anhedonia, and olfactory hedonics are seldom studied together in laboratory studies, despite a growing literature on the neurobiological overlap between olfactory processing, reward processing, and emotional experience. Attempts to study the relationship between these constructs, however, have yielded either insignificant or inconsistent results, perhaps due to methodological issues. This project attempted to close the gap between neurobiological theories of emotion processing and the depression literature on odor hedonics by investigating relationships between non-clinical depression, anhedonia, and hedonic judgment of odor. Secondly, this research sought to replicate previous findings of diminished odor detection in individuals with depression. Undergraduate students from the University of Dayton completed self-report measures of depression and anhedonia and underwent testing of odor detection sensitivity, identification, and hedonic evaluation. I hypothesized that odor detection sensitivity and depression severity would be positively correlated, as would depression severity and anhedonia. Moreover, pleasantness ratings of pleasant odors were predicted to explain the greatest proportion of variance in anhedonia, whereas unpleasant ratings of unpleasant odors were hypothesized to account for the greatest variance in depression severity. The emergence of interrelations between depression symptoms, anhedonia, and odor hedonics could offer a more robust framework of positive and negative emotion in depression and potentially encourage the development of alternative depression treatments.

When Psychopaths Attempt Suicide: A Proposed Study on the Effects of Emotional and Behavioral Dysregulation College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology

Oral Presentation - Graduate Research (In association with the Montgomery County Jail, Dayton, OH) STUDENTS Nicholas Fadoir ADVISORS Catherine Lutz Zois LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 310, 1:00-1:20 Offender populations are at risk for both suicide and psychopathy (Fazel, Cartwright, Norman-Nott, & Hawton, 2008). The present study will explore potential cognitive, affective, and behavioral features that contribute to this risk in a sample of 200 male and female offenders of the Montgomery County Jail in Dayton, Ohio. Psychopathy is considered a multidimensional condition characterized by two subtypes: primary and secondary psychopathy (Skeem, Poythress, Edens, Lilienfeld, & Cale, 2003). Primary psychopathy describes an individual with affective and interpersonal deficits (i.e., grandiosity, manipulativeness, lack of empathy) and secondary

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES psychopathy consists of traits consistent with a deviant and antisocial lifestyle (i.e., impulsivity, sensation-seeking, irresponsibility, criminal history, parasitic lifestyle). Research has observed differential patterns of associations between psychopathy subtypes, and suicide whereby secondary psychopathy is positively related to suicidal ideations and attempts, and primary psychopathy is either negatively or unrelated to suicidal ideations and attempts. What remains unclear is what accounts for this differential pattern of associations. The present study draws upon the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (Joiner, 2005), where only the combination of emotional (desire for death) and behavioral (capability of action) dysregulation is hypothesized to predict suicide attempts. Recent research has found that a history of painful and provocative experiences, such as non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors, is elevated in individuals that act on their suicidal ideations versus those who do not. This suggests that emotional and physical pain tolerances are aspects in acquiring a capability to commit suicide. Thus, in the current study, emotion regulation difficulties, the propensity to ruminate, and the potential for dysregulated behaviors that generate non-lethal bodily harm are hypothesized to explain this differential pattern.

Making Mindfulness Yours: Cultivating A Mindful Life College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Interactive Session - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Chelsey N Parker ADVISORS Jacob Burmeister LOCATION, TIME Marianist Hall Learning Space 218, 2:00-2:40 Based in ancient Buddhist practices and supported by cutting edge science, mindfulness has been shown to improve aspects of physical, emotional, and mental health. The society we live in often requires us to be “on the move,” caught up in the worry of past experiences or anticipating future deadlines. Being mindful allows you to slow down—to foster an intentional awareness of the present moment, accepting what comes as it is in a nonjudgmental and accepting fashion. This session is devoted to cultivating the elements of a mindful attitude and learning how to apply mindfulness to your daily routine through an experiential interaction.

Titles Make all the Difference: Additional Information Influences Memory and Aesthetic Pleasingness of Paintings College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Oral Presentation - Independent Research

STUDENTS Cody Allen Buckholdt, Yu N Zhao, Bradley C Wolfred, Madison Alyse Groeninger, Mckenzi A Troyano ADVISORS Susan T Davis, Mark Matthews LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 207, 2:40-3:00 Aesthetic preferences involve the many factors that determine how people respond to art. Millis (2001), for example, studied the effect of context, such as that given by the title of an artwork, on aesthetic preferences for photographic and illustration art. The present study examined the effect titles could have on participants’ aesthetic preferences for paintings. We hypothesized that participants would show greater preference and memory for paintings with elaborative rather than with descriptive titles. Images of lesser-known Van Gogh paintings were stimuli used in this experiment. In the encoding phase of the experiment, participants were exposed to paintings twice: once without titles and a second time when the same paintings were randomized but shown with titles. Titles were either elaborative (evoking a deeper thought process, such as “Water Sustains Life,” for a painting of a bridge over a stream) or descriptive (naming objects in the painting, such as “Bridge over Water,” for the same painting). Participants were asked three questions to assess preferences: if they liked the painting, if they would buy the painting, and if they would hang the painting in their home. A control group of participants also assessed the paintings twice, but without the titles present either time. After a task-filled interval, all participants were shown the original paintings intermingled with new images of Van Gogh paintings to test their memory for the paintings assessed during the encoding phase of the experiment. Preliminary results show that participants prefer and recall more of the paintings with the elaborative than with the descriptive or with no titles. The discussion of these results will focus on the “added value” that context gives to art and how the increase in the engagement of the viewer will result in support for the arts.

Behavioral Activation in Homeless Shelters: Applying Service Learning in ClinicalCommunity Contexts College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Panel Discussion - Graduate Research

STUDENTS McKenzie J Anderson, Christopher Alexander Barrett, Anna N Bettner, Emily P Biery, Mary Grace Brandt, Benjamin S Breh, Collin P Bryant, Julia C Carroccio, Brendan Douglas Clemens, Wellsley P Dennis, Justin W Dorr, Megan C Earley, Nicholas Fadoir, Marie H Feyche, Lauren A Hoody, Charles A Hunt, Dottie O Jez-Belden, Morgan E Longstreth, Christopher M Miller, Ciaran A Minch, Elisa M Nordmeyer, Miranda C O’Brenski, Joseph S Pieper, Emily A Rickert, Monica R Riedell, Mallory H Schrier, Rachel A Schroeder, Megan E Schuman, Kevin R Stout, Abigail M Sturgill, Sam J Tedesco, Sara E Wetter, Lindsey G Whittemore, Jeffrey M Zroskie ADVISORS Greg C Elvers, Roger N Reeb LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union East Ballroom, 3:00-5:00

Guided by the Psycho-Ecological Systems Model (PESM; Reeb & Folger, 2013), this interdisciplinary project implements behavioral

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES activation at homeless shelters for men and women, which are sponsored by St. Vincent de Paul (Dayton, Ohio). The project utilizes a participatory community action research strategy with a service-learning pedagogy in an attempt to integrate undergraduate college students with their communities. Rooted in Skinner’s operant conditioning and originally designed as a therapeutic treatment for depression, behavioral activation is defined as structured attempts to increase overt behaviors that bring an individual into direct contact with opportunities for response-contingent reinforcement and thereby produce improvements in his or her quality of life, mood, thoughts, and empowerment to recognize and pursue personal potential (Hopko et al., 2003). Behavioral activation sessions are designed to (1) enhance the shelter guests’ empowerment, (2) strengthen their coping skills, and (3) improve the social climate of the shelters. The use of service-learning to support this research is guided by a recent book written by Reeb and colleagues (2015) and published by the American Psychological Association (i.e., “Service Learning in Psychology: Enhancing Undergraduate Education for the Public Good”). Results indicate that guests find behavioral activation sessions to be important, meaningful, worthy of repeating, and enjoyable. Findings also suggest that guests perceive behavioral activation sessions as contributing to their hope, mood, empowerment, social support, positive social climate perceptions, purpose/meaning in life, and quality of life. In addition to presenting quantitative and qualitative results from research on the project, we will discuss a number of recent extensions of the project to different settings, as well as the continued community partnership with the Montgomery County Office of Ex-Offender Reentry. Student research assistants will also discuss their perceptions of their experiential work on the project.

The Effects of Fear-Inducing Video Game Play on Distance Perception College of Arts and Sciences: Psychology Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Sierra F Corbin, Emily G Wright ADVISORS Benjamin R Kunz LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 207, 4:00-4:20 The complexities of spatial cognition have sparked a growing interest in the various ways in which non-visual cues scale spatial judgments of our surroundings. For instance, arousal from fear scales the judgments of vertical distances, with individuals that are afraid of heights overestimating height estimates when viewing a target from above (Stefanucci & Storbeck, 2009). Currently, however, there has been has been little research on the influence of fear on perceptions of horizontal egocentric (self-to-object) distances. In the literature surrounding immersive stimulus interactions, Calvert and Tan (1994) stated that observational exposure to a stimulus produced lower physiological arousal than interacting directly with a stimulus. Hence, we sought to determine whether observational, interactive, and passive horror video game exposure produced differential outcomes for physiological and self-reported fear responses and subsequent visual-spatial distance estimates. Following a pretest heart-rate measurement, participants either played the horror game “Slender: The Eight Pages” (interactive fear condition), watched a video of the game being played by another individual (observational fear condition), or read a book about the game’s antagonist, Slenderman (passive fear condition). Following a 20-minute exposure, participants’ heart-rate was measured and participants completed a self-report measure to assess their fear following the horror condition. Participants then estimated the distance between themselves and a physically present Slenderman character on a horizontal plane. We hypothesize that those who engage in interactive horror gameplay will report higher levels of fear characterized by both a self-report measure and heart-rate monitoring. Correspondingly, we hypothesize that, because of the increased fear response, those in the interactive gameplay group will underestimate the distance between themselves and the fear object, whereas distance judgements in the observation and passive exposure groups will be close to accurate.

The Catholic Vision of Family Love: The Second Vatican Council to Pope Francis College of Arts and Sciences: Religious Studies Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Joshua M Mueller ADVISORS William H Johnston LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 What does it mean to love someone in the eyes of the Catholic Church? What is a parent’s role to their children? What are some of the different “tasks” that a family is supposed to complete in the eyes of the Catholic Church? This project strives to answer these and other questions as they relate to the Catholic Church’s view on Family Love. This will be done through the use of Gaudium et Spes (1965, specifically looking at Marriage and the Family) as well as Saint Pope John Paul II’s Familiaris Consortio (1981) and Pope Francis’s Amoris Laetitia (2016). The project will not settle on one time period, but really three different ones as is evident by the texts listed. We will see what the council said at the outset as Vatican II closed. Then we move to Pope John Paul II’s time as pope and see how the roles and views may have changed. We will then conclude looking at modern day thoughts on Family Love with Pope Francis’ text.

Newman through the Lens of Wilfrid Ward: Doctrinal Development and Scientific Discovery College of Arts and Sciences: Religious Studies Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Elizabeth A Farnsworth ADVISORS William Portier LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 207, 1:00-1:20

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Wilfrid Philip Ward (1856–1916) was one of the premier English theologians and interpreters of Newman’s work during the Roman Catholic modernist period (1893–1914). In his book, Newman on Development, Nicholas Lash correctly argues that “Ward’s value as an intelligent and not uncritical interpreter of Newman has been seriously underestimated.” One area in which Ward’s thought is particularly enlightening deals with his notion doctrinal development, or the understanding of how divine revelation is transmitted to human subjects in history. Central to the controversies of the modernist crisis are concerns about the role of scientific discovery and historicity (e.g. the rise in historical criticism) in the retrieval and explication of divine revelation. Ward utilizes and expounds upon Newman’s theory of doctrinal development amidst the often polarizing and hostile debates. In particular, Ward postures himself between the prevailing propositionalist approach to revelation and the newly formed scientific ideas of development by establishing a theology of revelation that utilizes the neo-Scholastic categories of deposit of faith and its explication as a framework for explaining divine mystery. This paper explores Ward’s reception and interpretation of Newman’s theory into his own epistemological understanding of how faith and science function in the transmission of divine truths in the course of human history.

Joseph Cardijn and Catholic Social Teaching – An Interdisciplinary Approach College of Arts and Sciences: Religious Studies Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Jens Mueller ADVISORS Vincent J Miller LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 207, 1:20-1:40 This paper explores the rise of Joseph Cardijn’s Young Christian Workers by analyzing it using the perspectives of social movement theory and the theological background of Catholic social teaching.From a theological perspective the question that must be addressed is to what extent the labor encyclicals by Popes Leo XIII and Pius XI influenced the teaching of the Young Christian Workers. From a sociological perspective, the question of how social theories, such as the Political Process theory or an extended cultural approach as proposed by James Jasper, can help deepen our understanding of Cardijn’s success. The aim of this work is to provide a focused examination of both historical research of Catholic social activism and social movement theory in an effort to provide a complete explanation and understanding of the significance of Joseph Cardijn and his Young Christian Workers movement for the history of social Catholicism and activism. Such analysis enables us to interpret Cardijn’s influence better and help us not only identify current structural mobilization issues, but, more importantly, to see a path forward for present and future Catholic social movements.

Communion and being: the significance of ecological interconnectedness for theology College of Arts and Sciences: Religious Studies Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Lucas B Martin ADVISORS Vincent J Miller LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 207, 1:40-2:00 In his encyclical on environmental ethics, Laudato Sí, Pope Francis emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation, of species human and non-human. Laudato Sí attempts to bridge the social and the ecological, arguing that neither is coherent without the other. This allows Francis to put the notions of relationship and love amongst humans and non-humans to use on a practical level in his attempt to address our current ecological crisis. Francis’ encyclical is clear on its moral teachings, but the theological foundation of his ethics is underdeveloped. Orthodox theologian John Zizioulas’ influential theology of communion complements Francis’ practical and moral approach. Zizioulas locates ‘being’ in communion. That is, personhood is only possible in relation; it is in ‘being with’ that there is being at all. Zizioulas argues explicitly that non-human creatures are integral to this communion, yet his theology remains abstract, he never develops the implications of this communion with other creatures for ethics.These two approaches illustrate the convention that Western Christianity focuses on essence, identity and morality, while Eastern Christianity focuses on contemplation and relationship. In this presentation, I will bring Francis into dialogue with Zizioulas in order to achieve two goals: 1) I want to utilize Zizioulas to help provide a deeper theological grounding for the practical and moral argument of Laudato Sí concerning humanity’s relationships with other creatures; 2) I want to utilize Laudato Sí’s concreteness to bridge Zizioulas’ often heavily theoretical theology with the practical, particularly during a time of human driven climate change.

Increasing Respect? Women in the Writings of Hippocrates, Galen, and Augustine of Hippo College of Arts and Sciences: Religious Studies Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Robert N Parks ADVISORS Jana M Bennett LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 310, 2:00-2:20

A disjunction exists between ancient followers of Hippocrates (460-370 BCE) and the later Galen (c.129-c.217 CE) on the medical treatment of women. Hippocratic practitioners typically measured women against men, applying male experience of bodies to women. Though he thought of men as the measure of humanity, Galen respects his female patients’ experiences of their bodies and illnesses. He differs greatly from prior medical perspectives on women, at times taking their accounts of illnesses over men’s accounts. Attention to women led him to differ from his time’s usual views of them. For instance, he denied that pregnancy was

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES necessarily healthy for young women. Men remained superior to women for Galen, but he values women and their experiences as patients to a greater degree than did most male physicians before him. Galen was a major influence on Roman medical thought and practice during the life of Augustine of Hippo (354-430 CE). As a student in rhetoric, medical literature was part of Augustine’s liberal education. We know he read in Hippocratic literature from references he makes to it in writings like City of God (22.8). It seems likely that he would have encountered Galen during time he spent in Rome where Galen famously practiced, but he never refers openly to Galen. Augustine struggles over the identity, dignity, and value of women. It is tempting to imagine that the disjunction in medical literature between Hippocratics and Galen on women influenced Augustine’s own struggle. Augustine interpreted scripture in a way that saw women in more a positive position relative to men than did many among his fellow early Christian writers. It is not certain that Galen influenced Augustine, but the parallels between them and the differences each made in respect to women remain intriguing.

An Absent History: The Marks of Africa on Puerto Rican Popular Catholicism College of Arts and Sciences: Religious Studies Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS José L Santana ADVISORS Neomi DeAnda LOCATION, TIME LTC Studio, 2:20-2:40 Throughout Puerto Rico’s history there has existed both explicit and persistent implicit denial of African history, culture, and religiosity. Such denial, as well as Spanish and U.S. American cultural and religious hegemony, has resulted in the “othering” of African religious expression, which has yet to be fully embraced by ecclesiastical structures. In daily life, this religiosity has been integrated into the popular practices of the majority mixed race class. This presentation will explore popular Catholic practices of African inheritance in Puerto Rico, their history, and meaning.

Angels: A Mystical Truth, Lost – A Historical Examination of the Conceptions of the Angelic College of Arts and Sciences: Religious Studies Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Kieran L Campbell ADVISORS Silviu N Bunta LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 311, 3:20-3:40 Angels occupy a fascinating and often volatile space within Christian history. In mystical Jewish traditions the Cherubim and Seraphim protect the holy dwelling of God. Other legions command and constitute the army of the Lord, conquering evil and repeatedly slaughtering thousands. The angels in the Jewish tradition are not only messengers of the word of God, as is so often thought; they are the ruthless bearers of God’s will–some by means of their function, others by their otherworldly nature and terrifying manifestations. Angelic conceptions continue to develop amidst the earliest doctrines and writings of Christianity, integrating many Jewish traditions in light of the new Messiah. In the Christian context, which directs this study, a number of historical moments spark radical conceptual shifts. Distance emerges between the frightening creatures of the earliest Judeo-Christian traditions and the angelic conceptualization of today. This distance perpetuates misconception by portraying and conceptualizing angels as corporeal, humanized, and infantilized creatures whose ministry is no longer to God but to humanity. Today the word ‘angel’ often invokes images of a friendly, and sometimes chubby imaginary friend; the comforting embrace of soft, feathery wings; or the ontological transformation of a loved one who has recently passed away. I hope to expose some of the historical moments in which these conceptual transformations have occurred and the ideological shifts that have driven this complex history forward. I will also briefly reflect on the potential consequences of these conceptual shifts.

The “Rise of the Nones”: Origins, Distinctions, and Popularization College of Arts and Sciences: Religious Studies Oral Presentation - Graduate Research

STUDENTS Nicholas S Mayrand ADVISORS Brad J Kallenberg LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 207, 4:20-4:40 Survey reports throughout the last decade have often highlighted significant increases in the percentage of Americans who select “none” when asked to identify their religious affiliation. This “none” population evidently makes up around a quarter of the U.S. adult population today; in 1950 the “none” group included just two percent of U.S. adults. This presentation traces this so-called “rise of the nones” through three distinctive stages. The first stage, the origins phase, features a handful of sociologists of religion who realize that the “none” responses on their surveys deserved some attention. The second stage, the distinctions era, involves a growing recognition of the “nones” internal diversity and a number of proposals that aim to clarify the different types of “nones.” Finally, the popularization stage sees a proliferation of survey reports and think pieces that propel the “nones” into the spotlight and create the space for individuals to begin claiming the term “none” as an identity label. This presentation will conclude with some reflections on what this “rise of the nones” means for religious organizations in the U.S. today.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Climate Change in Dayton, Ohio: Identifying the Impacts and the Community’s Understanding College of Arts and Sciences: SEE Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Emily E Skill ADVISORS Robert J Brecha LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 This project examines the local impacts of climate change on the City of Dayton and analyzes what citizens from some of Dayton’s neighborhoods understand about climate change and sustainable behaviors. The purpose of this project is to connect threats of climate change in Dayton with sustainable actions that can be performed at home to reduce the effects of climate change. This project addresses the common misconception that climate change will only affect cities with elevations near sea level. While mainland cities, such as Dayton, are not at risk of flooding from rising sea levels, changes in precipitation and temperature can still pose great economic and social threats to these cities. Climate change will increase the amount of precipitation Ohio receives as well as flood frequency. The projected increased temperatures for Ohio will increase the likelihood of heat- rashes, heat-exhaustion, heatstroke, and even death. Increased temperatures from climate change will largely affect the poor, and in the City of Dayton, approximately 35% of population are living in poverty. Furthermore, the City of Dayton is identified as the largest food desert in the state. In addition to many of the problems climate change has on human health, temperature fluctuations and precipitation changes are also threats to agriculture, which will exacerbate food insecurities in Dayton. The survey portion of this project will identify knowledge gaps about climate change and its effects on the Dayton area as well as distinguish awareness of sustainable behaviors so that environmental education programs can be designed to address the needs of the community. This project was developed with the intention of being used as a starting point to help Dayton become a more sustainable city with sustainable citizens.

Specific Wavelength Absorbance of Pollutants and its Effect on Photovoltaic Cells College of Arts and Sciences: SEE Poster - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Nicholas M Maertz ADVISORS Robert J Brecha LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Air pollution is a growing problem in cities across the world, from the thick smog in Beijing to the haze above Los Angeles. These pollutants decrease atmospheric visibility and the amount of light that is able to reach the surface of the Earth. Decreased insolation will have an effect on photovoltaic systems. Since photovoltaics operate in the visible light region of the electromagnetic spectrum, this pollution can cause a decrease in electrical output for these systems. In this work an introductory study of the transmittance of light as a function of wavelength through pollutants will be analyzed to determine if the absorbance of specific wavelengths has a significant effect on the output of photovoltaic cells. In addition, a summary of research in the literature on the overall attenuation of light by haze and smog will be given.

The Hookup Culture and How it Effects Men At The University of Dayton College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Jacklyn E Bertsch ADVISORS Ruth Thompson-Miller LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 This research will examine the effect that the hook up culture has on young men from the ages of 18 to 24 that attend college at the University of Dayton. The research aims to examine if men are similar to the literature provided about how young men act in the hookup culture. A recent study conducted by Elaine M Eshbaugh and Gary Gute, in 2010 shows that young women on college campuses regret hookups (pg. 78). In addition, Rachel Allison and Barbara J. Risman’s study revealed similar findings when they interviewed young college women. They state that there is a double standard between men and women when it comes to hookups (pg. 4). However, there seems to be little to no research about how men feel on the hookup culture and how it affects them. In this research project I will explore how young college men at University of Dayton view and experience the hook up culture. Do they engage in hook ups? Do they look at other men positively for being involved in the hook up culture? Do they view men in a negative way for being involved in the hook up culture? Most importantly, how do their personal views about relationships impact their willingness to engage in the hook up culture? Do they view their participation in a positive way? Do they view it in a negative way? Do they feel any type of peer pressure to participate in the hook up culture? Are they similar to women in their desire to have relationships instead of hookups? These are the questions I hope to explore in my research

The Promise of Justice: Are Public and Private Defense Equal? College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Alicia A Linzmeier

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES ADVISORS Arthur J Jipson LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 This thesis will attempt to uncover whether or not public defense lawyers and private defense lawyers achieve the same or similar results for their clients facing serious felony charges in southwestern Ohio. The outcomes of interest are conviction rates, guilty plea rates, incarceration rates, and sentence lengths. Though people facing equally serious charges should receive roughly equal outcomes, this is not always the case. Existing literature suggests that some of the differences could be dependent on the type of lawyer that a defendant has, or whether or not he or she can afford to pay for his or her own representation. Other variables that could have an influence, such as age, gender, race, and number of prior felony convictions, will be controlled for in order to isolate the impact that representation has. This thesis examines whether the differences in outcome manifest themselves in three counties in southwestern Ohio by studying unclassified and first degree felony cases that have been filed since January 1, 2000.

A Change in Strategy? The Different Approaches Coaches are Taking with Athletes and Why College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Mathew K Poland ADVISORS Leslie H Picca LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 312, 1:00-2:00 Throughout time, millions of people have taken on the title of “coach” in order to produce championships and great players. Taking on that title has presented many interpretations on how to develop these players and win on the biggest stage. From the classic tough love coach that belittles his or her players, to the newer age player’s coach that takes a more supportive, laid-back approach, coaching has showed many different faces and has evolved throughout time. But are we seeing a shift in coaching styles because of changes in society and needs of players? A deeper look into these changes will be taken in this research. By interviews with ten participants, all having college baseball experience, this study looks into personal accounts during playing time and time spent while coaching. These personal accounts will help understand why different approaches in coaching are taken and what styles are more desired by the athletes in today’s society.

Barren and Isolated: A Content Analysis of an Online Infertility Support Community College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Kevin S Bernhardt ADVISORS Leslie H Picca LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 312, 1:00-2:00 Previous research on infertility has focused on the psychological impact of infertility. There has been limited research into the isolation of those who are having issues with conceiving. This study examines the social isolation of subjects with infertility especially around holidays. A content data analysis of online support community was conducted using standard qualitative coding methods. A sample of 44 discussions and 792 messages were analyzed. The analysis revealed holidays have negative consequences on the emotional state of subjects which forces them into social isolation in order to protect them from hurt. This study can serve to help those with infertility issues. It can also help those without infertility to know which triggers inflict emotional responses.

Global Injustice: El Salvador, Martyrdom, and Liberation

College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Panel Discussion - Course Project, 201680 ANT 392 02

STUDENTS Margaret K Boyd, Karina G Cabrera, Katirina M Guanciale, Miranda Hallett, Ryan E Konys, Emily P Mcaleese, Breann M Porter, Hannah B Richards, Noelle E Rizzo, Rosalia Mary Stadler ADVISORS Miranda Hallett LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union East Ballroom, 1:00-2:00 What does “social justice” mean in the Americas today? How does Catholic social teaching apply to contemporary issues of armed civil conflict, refugees and immigration, economic inequality, and more? What are the ethical dilemmas at the heart of today’s headlines, and how can we be responsible global citizens in an era of nationalism? In this panel, we’ll share the learning and insights we’ve gained through intensive study and immersion in the recent history and contemporary challenges of a small Central American nation, El Salvador. We will also talk about the broader insights we can gain from the local realities faced by the country, insights that touch on struggles over issues such as immigrants’ rights and environmental crisis, issues that are troubling for many of us in the current context. We will describe our thrilling and challenging adventure in El Salvador in January 2017. In recounting how we encountered conditions of cultural, social and political existence that moved us beyond our comfort zones, we’ll also reflect on the ways these experiences might shape our future ethical commitments and social action.Since the course leading up to the immersion trip was the Anthropology of Religion with a focus on martyrdom, we will also explore the role of Catholic lay theology and social teachings interconnected with El Salvador’s civil war-- a war that saw the assassination of many priests, churchwomen, and even Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero for their stance on behalf of the poor and persecuted. Panelists will share how they learned to think anthropologically through the course. This fall semester, another anthropology seminar, this time focusing on human rights, will culminate in a trip to El Salvador during January 2018 intersession. Panelists will field questions about what it takes to prepare

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES for a trip like this, and provide details about the course.

It’s Not Just a White Girl Problem: The Existence of Male Eating Disorders in College College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Sydney Ann Jackson ADVISORS Leslie H Picca LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 312, 1:00-2:00 Close your eyes and imagine a person suffering from an eating disorder. Are they female? Are they white? Commonly, eating disorders are perceived as a “white girl disease” but occur frequently in males as well. In this study, both male and female college students were asked to participate in a survey. After identifying demographics, participants were asked to rate how frequently in the past 28 days have they felt certain emotions about their body shape/size. While female eating disorders are more commonly focused on, this study focuses on the different contributions to male eating disorders, and how common they are on a college campus. The data gathered contributes to the literature that suggests there are several factors in males mentally, socially and physically that play a part in the existence in male eating disorders in college students.

Why Isn’t There a Garden at School? Assessing Metro Parks’ Green Schoolyards Program College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Kaleigh Ann Jurcisek ADVISORS Leslie H Picca LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 312, 1:00-2:00 School gardens have been shown to have positive effects on children’s academics and personal lives. Five Rivers’ Metro Parks has a program in place to encourage and assist schools, within the Dayton region, to implement school gardens and/or habitats. This research looks at the efficacy of the Green Schoolyards program through surveys and interviews with teachers and staff of 15 schools where the program has made at least one contact. This research will help inform the Five Rivers staff by identifying perceived benefits and constraints related to implementing school gardens, and may facilitate the expansion of the Green Schoolyards program such that more students in the Dayton region are reached.

Blurred Lines: Perceptions of Rape Culture on a College Campus College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Mackenzie A Richardson ADVISORS Leslie H Picca LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 312, 2:00-3:00 As well documented, sexual assault is an extremely pervasive issue on all college campuses, and despite many universities implementing various sexual violence prevention education programs it continues to be a prevalent issue. 1 out of every 5 women will be assaulted while in college, and the majority of victims will know their attacker. However, there tends to be a gray area when it comes to understanding the the difference between normative sexual behavior and sexual assault. This study further explores and examines how college students perceive rape culture and victim-blaming behavior through the use of vignettes. The results were discussed within the content of the existing literature.

Dichotomy or Overlap? Attitudes on Catholic Social Beliefs and Abortion College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Allison E Stokely ADVISORS Leslie H Picca LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 312, 2:00-3:00 This study aims to discover opinions regarding abortion among young women who identify as Catholics or have a Catholic background. The Catholic Church has traditionally deemed abortion unacceptable, except for circumstances that are a matter of life or death. Society as well as modern Catholics have become more accepting of abortion for a wider range of situations. Despite the more liberal views on this controversial topic, individuals identify with only one of the two sides of the debate- pro-life or pro-choice. However, results indicate that there could be some kind of a “gray area” between these stances. Each pregnancy varies and the decision(s) made about the unborn child may be varied as well. Further research will be crucial to continue investigating if these beliefs and opinions change, resulting in our society having an increasing acceptability of abortion.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Drugs, Crime, and Job Loss: Misperceptions about Immigration and How They Influence Public Opinion College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Ellen R Saracina ADVISORS Leslie H Picca LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 312, 2:00-3:00 Today’s debates surrounding immigration policies are spurred by stereotypes and unquestioned assumptions. Public opinion on immigration is shaped by a number of factors, a big one being the media. Negative rhetoric in the media and anti-immigration campaigns present a false view of immigration that leads to the general public believing that immigrant populations are inherently bad: they take jobs away from Americans, drive down wages, drain health care resources, and commit more crime than the average American. This rhetoric paints the picture that immigrants themselves are the main problem. Public opinion on immigration is important because it affects the policies that a government makes regarding immigration. If public opinion is negative, the government may pass more restrictive policies, limiting the amount of people who are allowed to migrate to the United States. This research examines interviews with students conducted at the University of Dayton. Data presented examines if there is a correlation between the demographics of the respondents and their attitudes toward immigration. Specifically, the variables of gender, age, race, background, and major area of study were examined to determine if this impacted opinions on immigration.

How Recent Catholic Events Affect Students’ Views on Religion College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Sydnee Holly ADVISORS Leslie H Picca LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 312, 2:00-3:00 Pedophilia has been an ongoing issue in the Catholic Church dating as far back as the 1950’s. Although it is a taboo topic, it is still prevalent and significant to discuss today. This paper explores female college aged students at the University of Dayton views and beliefs regarding the Catholic Church’s recent events, mostly centered around the pedophilia epidemic. Two groups consisting of practicing and non-practicing Catholics were interviewed and prompted with demographic and religion background questions. Additionally, there were questions focused around the individuals’ specific experiences and thoughts towards the Catholic Church. Specifically, this paper attempts to identify if practicing and non-practicing Catholics are aware of the pedophilia epidemic in the Catholic church and whether this affects their beliefs on the institution and religion. It is also to explore if there are other factors or recent events besides pedophilia that affect Catholic student’s beliefs. With each factor, it is determined whether the student’s beliefs are lessened, the same or stronger because of it.

The Possible Communal Biases in Alibi Evaluation

College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Norbert Donald Wessels ADVISORS Arthur J Jipson LOCATION, TIME Kennedy Union 312, 3:00-3:20 With the changing landscape of the criminal justice system, it is important to understandthe biases that are inherent in our decision making. Awareness of these biases can meanthe difference between incarceration and freedom for wrongfully accused persons. The alibi is an essential piece of defense intended to disassociate the accused from acrime. Adding to previous research, my goal is to examine the biases inherent with theevaluation process of an alibi. Specifically, it examines the existence of bias associatedwith geographic community and the identification with said community.

Black Women: Asexual Church Goers, Twerking Monsters, or More than Simple Binaries? College of Arts and Sciences: Women and Gender Studies Oral Presentation - Course Project, 201680 WGS 250 01 STUDENTS Hayley C Williams ADVISORS Neomi DeAnda LOCATION, TIME LTC Studio, 2:00-2:20 Throughout U.S. history, black women have been confined to strict sexual scripts. Women slaves in the U.S. displayed light-skinned oversexed “Jezebels” or dark-skinned asexual “Mammies.” In modern America, black women are still confined to sexual scripts by being portrayed as “twerking monsters” in rap videos, as “sister-saviors” in their church community and many more sexual classifications. Black women being confined to these sexual scripts can lead to a variety of consequences such as having a distorted view of themselves and their sexuality. With the help of M. Shawn Copeland and Beyonce, my solution for the liberation of black women comes from within oneself, and how when life gives lemons-- as a black woman-- lemonade is made..

School of Business Admisistration Organized by Department/ Start Time

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMISISTRATION

Accounting for Change: Assessing Top-line Implications of New Revenue Recognition Principles School of Business Administration: Accounting Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Kevin Michael Wargo ADVISORS Marsha Keune LOCATION, TIME Miriam Hall 104, 2:20-2:40 The impending implementation of new FASB guidance regarding the practice of revenue recognition will presumably alter the periodic presentation of top-line business performance. In anticipation of these impacts, this study seeks to isolate contractual business relationships within the automotive supply chain industry in order to illuminate certain changes and make financial statement users aware that corresponding adjustments may have to be made to their perception of revenue results. By outlining the differences between new and historical U.S. GAAP, and applying the anticipated quantitative effects of such shifts within a propositional study, I seek to produce conclusions that investors and analysts can use to better interpret current and future revenue data. Using historical company figures as a basis, incremental influences are applied to disaggregated portions of contract revenue, and final revenue figures are reconstructed to reflect the implications of new accounting guidance. This study displays the potential relative movement of these periodic revenue results as businesses transition away from their established accounting practices and into a new recognition model.

A Case Study on Inventory Costing Methods School of Business Administration: Accounting Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Natalie M Hunton ADVISORS Marsha Keune LOCATION, TIME Miriam Hall 104, 2:40-3:00 Firms use costing systems to determine the price of a product and to analyze the efficiency of resource consumption. These systems often comply with the external financial reporting rules set forth by the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which requires all manufacturing costs, including overhead, to be assigned to goods in inventory for costing purposes. However, firms can internally use alternative costing methods that do not comply with GAAP. The purpose of this case study is to understand and evaluate the costing system currently employed by a company in the Dayton, OH area , to identify the most beneficial costing method for its circumstances. Background research on common costing systems including traditional, process, job, activity-based, and variable is used to analyze the Company’s costing system. This background research includes each costing system’s advantages and disadvantages and under what circumstances the systems should be used. This research is combined with research on the Company to develop expectations regarding the Company’s current costing system and to develop an interview guide for employee interviews. Interviews with the Company’s employees and a factory tour is used to understand the Company’s current costing system, including why management selected the particular costing system, and the advantages and disadvantages of the system. This information is then synthesized and analyzed to determine if the current costing system best serves the Company’s interests or if an alternative costing method would better serve the company by assessing the validity of the other costing methods.

Tne Entrepreneurship Sophomore Experience, a Micro-Business Class

School of Business Administration: Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Panel Discussion - Course Project, 201710 MGT 221 01

STUDENTS Jonathan D Allen, William M Bradford, Nicholas V Calla, Madeline W Collins, Maxwell A Duffy, David P Kelley, Brandon D Labunski, Ashley E Mercs, Jordan B Meyer, Carl H Nickander, Haley L Oda, Jennifer M Rondinelli, Danielle M Ruffolo, Dante Stefanini, Sha ADVISORS Vincent Lewis LOCATION, TIME Miriam Hall 214, 11:00-12:00 The University of Dayton Sophomore Experience is the first course in the major for an entrepreneurship major at UD. It is a combination of two courses for a year-long experience. At the beginning of the course all of the students pitch an idea and top ideas are selected by the students in the class. Whoever pitched the idea then becomes the founder of that micro-business. After recruiting other students to their team, the business receives a $5,000 loan from the university to launch, grow and exit their business during the academic year. The Sophomore Experience is a one-of-kind experiential course that is at the core UD’s entrepreneurship program.

Flyer Pitch: 2016-2017 UD New Venture Creation Competition

School of Business Administration: Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Panel Discussion - Independent Research

STUDENTS Sean P Depke, Arianna Hamilton, Shannon M Hoffman, Chase R Jenkinson, Claudia J Labrador Rached, Benjamin B Pfeifer, Scott T Stoermer, Matthew O Worsham ADVISORS Vincent Lewis

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMISISTRATION LOCATION, TIME Miriam Hall 214, 1:00-2:00 Flyer Pitch is the University of Dayton’s New Venture Creation Competition. With six events spread over three rounds in three countries, Flyer Pitch is the only multi-site, global pitch competition at the collegiate level. This year more than 150 teams started with an elevator pitch at one the EP round sites in either Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Suzhou, China or here on UD’s campus. Those 150 teams were narrowed down to six for the final round where the winning team will walk away with $25,000.

Flyer Consulting: Past, Present, & Future

School of Business Administration: Crotty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Oral Presentation - Independent Research

STUDENTS Patrick J Casale, Stephen K Harvey, Brandon G Snyder, Molly Taylor ADVISORS Vincent Lewis LOCATION, TIME Miriam Hall 214, 2:00-3:00 Flyer Consulting is an organization comprised of standout business students that are passionate about making a difference for nonprofits. The FC team takes the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom, as well as individual real-world internship/job experiences, and puts it all to practical use for our nonprofit clients. This Stander Symposium will serve as a unique opportunity for audience members to hear from one of the first presidents of FC all the way through to our newest freshman hire. We have been one of the SBA’s fastest growing organizations and aspire to continuously evolve each semester.

Business Cycle Patterns, Portfolio Weighting, and S&P Industrial Stock Returns: An Empirical Analysis 2006-2016 School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Nicholas C Jacobs ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 In this study, I explain the returns of Industrial sector stocks during a period where both a downturn phase and a rebound phase in the U.S. economy occur. Using the profitability factor ROE, I test the hypothesis that a concentrated portfolio of ROE weighted Industrial sector stocks outperforms the S&P SPDR ETF (XLI) as well as SPY, the S&P 500 SPDR ETF. In addition, I use a stock weighting scheme based on the standard deviation of individual stocks and assume both “risk on” and “risk off” market conditions operate throughout the time period.

Concentrated Portfolios, Portfolio Weighting Models and the Consumer Discretionary Sector. An Empirical Analysis 2006-2016 School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Dimitra A Spandonidis ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 In this study I developed two concentrated portfolios of consumer discretionary stocks, one with 10 stocks and the other with 20 stocks. The stocks were selected on the basis of market size, with the largest market cap stocks chosen for inclusion in the portfolios. Return on equity (ROE) is used as the weighting factor. In order to account for risk, the standard deviation of each stocks ROE on a rolling 5 year basis is used to contrast the weights. I test the hypothesis that (1) the ROE weighted portfolios will out perform the consumer discretionary sector XLY and (2) the ROE weighted portfolios will outperform the S&P 500 Index (SPX).

Financial Sector Stocks: A Study in Portfolio Weighting Schemes 2006-2016 School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance

Poster - Independent Research STUDENTS Daniel E Wollenberg ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Because of the financial crisis in 2008, S&P 500 Financial stocks experienced both increased volatility and regulation in subsequent years, which had an important effect on financial stock prices and returns. In this study, I develop two portfolios of financial sector stocks that are weighed by return on equity (ROE). I construct the stock weights based on the premise that stocks with higher ROEs deserve higher weights. I also modify the weights by the standard deviations of the ROEs. I test the following hypotheses. (1) Risk adjusted ROE weighted portfolios outperform the S&P 500 Index (SPX) over the 2011-2016 time period. (2) Risk adjusted ROE portfolios outperform the market value weighted portfolio XLF over the 2011-2016 time period. Both buy and hold and rebalance strategies are used in the analysis of portfolio performance.

Marco Economic Activity And Stock Price Movements: A Closer Look At The Covariation Between Total Non-Farm Employment Plus Goods Sector Employment And S&P 500 Stock Prices, 2009-2016. School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Tyler B Cronin, Leah M Haverkos ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Employment growth is considered a key measure of macroeconomic activity. Rational expectation theory, therefore, would expect a positive linkage between employment growth and the price movement of common stocks. In this study, we examine the relationship between non-farm employment and the goods sector employment growth and price movements in Consumer Staples (XLP) and Consumer Discretionary (XLY) stocks. Using regression analysis, we regress employment growth on the top ten stocks in each of the above sectors (i.e. XLP and XLY). We test the hypothesis that the B coefficients in the regressions are > 0 and statistically significant at the 95% confidence level (T>2).

Modeling the Performance of Information Technology Stocks over the Period 2006-2016: A Case Study in Fundamentals Portfolio Weighting School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Sallie R Deyoung ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 A growing number of investment firms are using fundamentals based weighting for the stocks in their mutual funds or Exchange Traded Funds (ETFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s). In this study, I use the profitability metric, Return on Equity (ROE), as my stock weighting factor and model the returns to stocks in the Information Technology Sector ETF (XLK). I also use a concentrated portfolio approach with two portfolios: 10 stocks and 20 stocks as my test prototypes. I test two hypotheses: (1) The ROE weighted Portfolios will outperform XLK and (2) the ROE weighted portfolio will outperform the S&P 500 Index (SPY).

Portfolio Weighting, Risk Aversion and Stock Returns in the S&P Materials Sector: An Empirical Analysis 2006-2016 School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Stuart W Allen ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Over the last several years stocks in the materials sector (XLB) have experienced increased volatility. In this study, I develop a risk dampening portfolio weighting scheme in order to increase the potential for excess returns in the sector. Using portfolios of ten and twenty stocks, ranked by market cap, I calculate the standard deviation of the return on equity (ROE) for each stock over rolling 5 year periods and divide it into the standard deviation (weighted average) for all ten and twenty stocks. This scheme allows stocks with lower relative standard deviations to have higher portfolio weights. Both buy and hold and rebalancing strategies are used in the analysis. The performance benchmarks are the materials sector, XLB, and SPY, a proxy for the S&P 500 stock index.

Service Employment Trends and Stock Price Movements in the Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary Sectors from 2009-2016 School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Luke A Bir ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Financial economists consider price movements in stocks a function of both fundamental and macroeconomic factors. In this study, I examine the relationship between U.S. service employment, a large component of total U.S. employment, and two market sectors that rely on consumer spending for sales and earnings growth. Using regression analysis, I regress service employment on the consumer staples SPDR price index(XLP) and the consumer discretionary SPDR price index (XLY). I test the hypothesis that the regression coefficients (B) are greater than zero. The time period for the analysis is 2009-2016, which is also marked by an aggressive policy of monetary easing and a sustained rebound in the stock market.

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMISISTRATION

Stock Prices And Volatility, An Empirical Analysis 1999-2016 School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS John C Scheuble ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Financial economists believe there is an inverse relationship between market volatility and stock prices. In this study, I examine the relationship between S&P stock prices and VIX, the accepted measure of market volatility. Using regression analysis, I develop linear equations for 9 S&P SPDRS plus SPY, the ETF that proxies the S&P 500 index. I test the hypothesis that regression coefficients are less than zero, i.e. b<0, and the t statistics are greater than 2.The period of analysis is 1999-2016.

The Case for ROE: A Fundamentals Based Portfolio Weighting Model for Healthcare Stocks School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Chase R Dollar ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Based on the studies of Eugene Fama, Cliff Asness, Robert Novy-Marx and others, profitability is considered a predictor of stock returns. In this study, using Return on Equity (ROE) as the measure of profitability, I develop a portfolio weighting model for stocks in the Healthcare sector (XLV). Assuming positive covariance between ROE and stock returns, I develop two concentrated portfolios of Healthcare stocks, one with 10 stocks and the other with 20 stocks. Portfolio weights are based on ROE i.e. with higher ROE stocks getting higher weights. Returns are calculated for each portfolio over the years 2011-2016 on both a buy and hold and rebalanced basis. The hypothesis to be tested is that the ROE weighted portfolios outperform the market cap weighted Healthcare sector portfolio (XLV) as well as the S&P500 index of stocks (SPY).

The Impact of Volatility on S&P 500 Stock Market Returns: A Closer Look at the Bloomberg Propagation Model School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Daniel Robert Caponi ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 In recent years the stock market has experienced wide swings in market value much more frequently. Taking the Dow Jones Index as an example, it is not uncommon to see daily swings of 200 points or more in the DOW Index.In this study I examine the impact of volatility on stock returns. Using the Bloomberg Propagation Model I determine which stocks by market sector are less sensitive to market volatility. I take the top 5 stocks in each sector and develop a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Volatility Dampening Portfolioâ&#x20AC;? (V). Using two weighting strategies, market value and expected return, I develop a 50 stock portfolio and determine its performance over the period 2010-2016. I test the hypothesis that V outperforms the market in highly volatile market periods.

The Role of Quality in S&P 500 Stock Returns: An Empirical Analysis 2007-2015 School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Sam William Verrilli ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 In this study, high quality stocks are defined as stocks with high returns on equity (ROE). Low quality stocks have low ROEs. The first hypothesis to be tested is that high ROE stocks outperform low ROE stocks over long periods of time (the persistence factor). A second hypothesis to be tested is that high ROE stocks outperform low ROE stocks in periods of market downturns and high volatility. A third hypothesis to be tested is that low ROE stocks outperform during market rebound periods. S&P 500 stocks are used in the analysis and the S&P 500 SPDR ETF (SPY) is used as a performance benchmark.

The Role of Safety and Leverage in S&P 500 Stock Returns: An Empirical Analysis, 2007-2015 School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Kevin Michael Wargo ADVISORS Trevor C Collier

LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 In this study I use debt-to-equity as both a measure of safety and leverage. Low debt-to-equity stocks provide a measure of safety while high debt-to-equity stocks offer leverage. Using S&P 500 stocks ranked from low to high debt-to-equity I test the following hypotheses: (1) Low debt-to-equity portfolios outperform high debt-to-equity portfolios over long periods of time (i.e. persistence), (2) In periods of market growth, high debt-to-equity portfolios outperform low debt-to-equity portfolios, and (3) In market downturns, low debt-to-equity portfolios outperform high debt-to-equity portfolios.

Trends in Education/Health Care Services Employment and S&P 500 Sector Price Movements: An Empirical Analysis 2009-2016. School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Michael A Capicotto, Bennett A Zynn ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 Education and Health Care Services is one of the fastest growing employment sectors in the US. In this study we examine the relationship between it and nine S&P 500 sector ETFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plus SPY, a proxy for the S&P 500 Index. We test the hypothesis that Education and Healthcare employment growth co-varies directly with SPY and the nine sector ETFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. The period of analysis is 2009-2016 with monthly data used to construct the regression equations.

U.S. Monetary Policy, Monetary Aggregates and S&P 500 Stock Prices: An Empirical Analysis, 2009-2016 School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

STUDENTS Alison M Berry ADVISORS Trevor C Collier LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 9:00-10:15 After the 2008 recession, the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank undertook massive quantitative easing in order to shore up the financial markets and facilitate economic growth. In this study I examine the relationship between money supply growth and the expansion of financial markets with a particular focus on S&P 500 stock returns. I test the hypothesis that stock prices covary directly with money supply growth i.e. R=A+B(MS) where R is the stock return, MS is the money supply, and A and B are the equation perimeters. I expect B to be greater than zero. Three measures of the money supply are used in the regression analysis: (1) the adjusted monetary base, (2) M1 money supply, and (3) M2 money supply. The time period 2009-2016 is considered to be a period of agressive monetary easing.

U.S. Monetary Policy, Monetary Aggregates and S&P 500 Stock Prices: An Empirical Analysis, 2009-2016 School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Independent Research

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMISISTRATION of financial markets with a particular focus on S&P 500 stock returns. I test the hypothesis that stock prices covary directly with money supply growth i.e. R=A+B(MS) where R is the stock return, MS is the money supply, and A and B are the equation perimeters. I expect B to be greater than zero. Three measures of the money supply are used in the regression analysis: (1) the adjusted monetary base, (2) M1 money supply, and (3) M2 money supply. The time period 2009-2016 is considered to be a period of aggressive monetary easing.

Sustainable Portfolio to Maximize Alpha

School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Douglas S Carey ADVISORS John G Ruggiero, Donald L Shimmin LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 The purpose for every shareholder is to maximize alpha. This is done through a variety of investment vehicles like individual securities, ETFs, and mutual funds. Sustainable criteria can meet these ends to an extent. If a shareholder wishes to invest in sustainable companies they must be willing to take on greater risk to generate favorable returns. Many investors have already begun investing in sustainable companies and this trend will continue to grow due to United Nations and American Government policy. This project will hopefully show investors that they can generate the same or even greater returns by undergoing more risk selecting only sustainable companies in a portfolio. The criteria I will use for determining a sustainable company follows: Scopes 1, 2, and 3, hazardous waste, total waste, excluding sectors like coal, forestry and paper, and oil and gas. This criteria is used to screen the companies from the Russell 3000 through the Bloomberg terminal. Once the screening is done, a list of companies will display that matches the criteria’s parameters listed above. This information will provide us a list of companies that fit into the spectrum of what we see as a sustainable company. These companies will then be back tested 5 years and have monthly rolling periods. With 60 data points to see their performance we will then benchmark it against an index we see with similar attributes based on company size and value vs. growth. The 60 data points will help to show if our criteria can prove that given a certain amount of additional risk these sustainable companies can perform or outperform companies with unsustainable practices.

Taxation as a Consumption Behavior Modifier: An Experimental Economics Study School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Poster - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Nolan E Sroczynski ADVISORS Marlon Williams LOCATION, TIME RecPlex Main Gym, 10:45-12:00 Consumers are presented with various prices depending on where we shop, and what good we are purchasing. For example, buying clothing at a local store has a list price and then a sales tax is added at the register, whereas buying gas already has the tax applied to the sticker price. As organizations and governments attempt to reduce some consumption behaviors, there is reason to understand how various taxation can effect the buying behavior of the consumer. This research creates a behavioral economics study to analyze such effects in a laboratory setting which will allow future research to use such methods instead of using natural settings such as a store.

Empirical Research Presentations in Economics

School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Oral Presentation - Capstone Project

STUDENTS Abdulaziz Aljuwaeed, Caleb M Amann, Sarah M Barga, Charles J Barrett, Daniel Luis Berling, Taylor K Boyd, Angela Rose Capelety, Douglas S Carey, Liwen Chen, David A Christian, John C Clair, Larry J D’Onofrio, Charles L Davis, Austin Joseph Dickison, Jiayang Gu, Connor F Harmon, Glenn Isaj, Thomas R Joyce, Nicholas Paul Karipides, Joseph B Keating, Jack G Kolassa, Kyle P Krause, Heng Liu, Ethan C McNemar, John P Neenan, Daniel C O’Brien, Anthony Ross Predey, Mengxiao Shi, Danni Song, Kurtis J Thobe, Carli Margaret Turrittin, Gabrielle M Ventura, Adam Brial Wissman, Nan Zhou ADVISORS Nancy Haskell LOCATION, TIME Miriam Hall 109, 9:00-6:00 Four years of coursework culminate in a written and oral presentation of an empirical research project during the senior capstone course. Students apply economic theory and econometric techniques to analyze data in order to answer an original research question.

The School of Business B.E.S.S.T Program (Business Experience San Francisco & Silicon Valley Today) Panel Discussion With Video and Discussion School of Business Administration: Management and Marketing Panel Discussion - Course Project, 201680 MKT 499 P3

STUDENTS Quinn R Atkinson, Renee M Brocker, Lindsay M Koeller, Bradley A Lantz, Mary E Macklin, Kelsey K Moore, Anna G Schober, Jamie L Stumph, Tanner Joseph Sutkowskii

ADVISORS Irene J Dickey, Tracy K Miller LOCATION, TIME Miriam Hall 213, 1:00-2:00 The B.E.S.S.T. Program helped educate students to become global leaders through premier study and business collaboration with alumni leaders and companies in the business-rich Silicon Valley and San Francisco areas. Students studied and met with companies such as Oracle, Uber and Salesforce. This highly experiential business and cultural immersion gave students understanding, skills and insights to effectively and positively navigate across different businesses, business functions and cultures. In this presentation, students will bring their experiences to life with videos and discussion.

Mothers as Career Leaders: Do Maternity Leave Laws Make a Difference? School of Business Administration: Economics and Finance Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Briar Rose Smith ADVISORS Nancy Haskell LOCATION, TIME Miriam Hall 109, 1:15-1:45 On a national level, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 is the only law that provides certain qualifying individuals with 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected maternity leave, although some states and private firms have implemented forms of paid maternity leave. Previous research indicates that female employees, regardless of their parental status, receive fewer promotions due to information asymmetry after the FMLA. In addition, some research finds that particular industries are more family friendly due to access to flexible work schedules for mothers. This thesis expands on both findings using data from the National Longitudinal Surveys beginning in 1979 to capture the effects of maternity leave type and length on promotions. Results from differences-in-differences models show that having a child after the passage of the FMLA results in decreased unpaid leave and increased paid leave. Contrary to prior literature, we find no evidence that employers are promoting female employees less frequently after passage of the FMLA. Other models suggest there are negative effects on promotion when having a child, regardless of industry. However, there is no statistically significant evidence to suggest the negative effects of motherhood differ after passage of the FMLA. Our findings differ from prior literature in that the negative effects of the FMLA on career advancement of women appear to be confined only to the sub-sample of mothers working jobs for which maternity leave benefits were not previously available. Taken together, these results suggest that the FMLA may have been largely reactive to family friendly changes already occurring in the workplace structure, thus having little effect on the majority of firms and working women.

A Meta Analytic Review of the Antecedents and Consequences of Servant Leadership in Organizations School of Business Administration: Management and Marketing Oral Presentation - Honors Thesis

STUDENTS Ian N Cali ADVISORS Paul D Sweeney LOCATION, TIME Miriam Hall 104, 3:00-3:20 Servant leadership, a common yet complex concept, was first posited in the late 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. This term refers to a leadership style based on humility, authenticity, and a heightened concern for employee empowerment and development. This has been predicted to have a number of positive effects on both people and organizational effectiveness. Yet, several reviews have suggested that not enough studies have been conducted and more research is needed to make firm conclusions about the effect of servant leadership. My review of the literature, however, has uncovered over 100 studies completed in various organizational settings, a sizable literature that is best summarized by quantitative methods. This presentation reports on the results of a meta-analysis - a statistical procedure for combining multiple studiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; data and determining the direction, magnitude, and consistency of the studies. By carefully coding key features about these over 100 studies, comprising over 50,000 subjects, I examined the effects of servant leadership on three main types of effects in work settings:: personal variables/effects (e.g., job and pay satisfaction), organizational effects (e.g., commitment), and performance-related variables (effectiveness; work quality). The results showed moderate to large effects of servant leadership on the work-related measures. A large number of studies finding no significant effects would need to be conducted or uncovered to overturn these reliable effects. I can confidently say that servant leadership has sizable impacts on a variety of variables important to organizational effectiveness.

Experiential Learning with Flyer Enterprises

School of Business Administration: Management and Marketing Panel Discussion - Independent Research

STUDENTS Ryan J Barnes, Stephanie F Bennett, Daniel R Bott, Anna K Pierce, Abigail R Schatzman ADVISORS Janet R Leonard LOCATION, TIME Miriam Hall 104, 3:20-3:50 In this panel discussion, members of the executive team of Flyer Enterprises will be sharing how their experience has shaped their time at UD. Flyer Enterprises is the 4th largest student run business in the nation and the 4th largest employer on campus. FE currently has 9 divisions and generates $1.2 million in revenue a year. We focus on providing experiential learning to every member of

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMISISTRATION the organization. Through this, we are have seen great success in our employees and our business.

SBA/China Institute Consulting Project Competition Client Presentations for Jabil Circuit School of Business Administration: Management and Marketing Oral Presentation - Independent Research

STUDENTS Jonathan D Allen, Kelli Antman, Heather A Axton, Gabrielle Marie Castaldo, Anna M Karnstein, Jonathan Mazur, Jordan B Meyer, Bernadette A O’Connell, Benjamin B Pfeifer, Michaela A Reed, Mary Elizabeth Rosing, Kristen N Schnelker, Cassandra C Smith, Kasey Ann Smith, Weixi Wang, Natalie Weikert, Ryan J Wray ADVISORS Terence J Lau, Vincent Lewis, Paul D Sweeney LOCATION, TIME Anderson Center 020, 9:00-4:00 Jabil executives have centered the case on 5 questions that teams will research & comment on in their presentation:Question 1: What characteristics do companies that excel in mass customization share?Question 2: What are key aspects of the skill sets & mindset changes needed in the new era of manufacturing and how can Jabil develop them in the next few years.Question 3: What are some common challenges faced by companies as they move from Mass Production to Mass Customization, and what can Jabil do to prepare to address these challenges?Question 4: How can Jabil transform IT, marketing, finance, or strategy to provide more robust and responsive services to mass customization manufacturing?Question 5: What are characteristics and market trends of Mass Production in Asia (or some other part of the world your team chooses); what should Jabil do to prepare for the increasing demand of customized manufacturing & take the lead among competitors?

OPS 495 Senior Capstone Projects (Part 1 of 3)