Welcome to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Spring 2019 Watson Scholars' Day. Sponsored by UMHB's Office of Research, Scholars' Day showcases outstanding undergraduate and graduate student research conducted on campus under the guidance and leadership of our extraordinary faculty members. Members of the UMHB Research Committee, listed below, serve as the organizing body of the biannual Scholars' Day event. All events are located in the Bawcom Student Union Building (BSUB).
Research Committee: Dr. Aaron R. Baggett Director of Undergraduate Research Dr. Joshua Albrecht Dr. Nancy Bonner Dr. Todd Ferguson Dr. Todd Kunders Dr. Ty Leonard Dr. Janene Lewis Dr. Lem Taylor Dr. Adam Winn
Schedule of Events: Time
Event
Location (BSUB)
9:00 am—10:20 am
Concurrent paper panels
McLane Great Hall A, B, C, & D
10:30 am—11:50 am
Poster session presentations
McLane Great Hall Lobby
12:00 pm—1:30 pm
Lunch and Scholars’/Honors Day awards
McLane Great Hall
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PAPER PANELS
9:00 am—10:20 am McLane Great Hall A, B, C, & D Bawcom Student Union Building
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PAPER PANEL A (MCLANE GREAT HALL A) In the Dominion of Sugar: Britain, France, and their Caribbean Colonies Author(s): Madeline Clay, School of Social Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Janet Adamski Description: In the 1700 and 1800s, the imperial governments of Great Britain and France used their ability to supply sugar to European markets to leverage their economic and political foreign policy aims. This colonial product granted London and Paris influence in a world ravenous for sugar.
Guarding the Past: Comparing Clytie and Circe Author(s): Emma Andrews, School of Humanities Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Janene Lewis Description: This scholarship compares the characters of Clytemnestra in Faulkner's Absalom, Absalom! and Circe in Morrison's Song of Solomon. Through an analysis of these characters and their roles as keepers of history, this paper concludes that they reveal a significant contrast between Faulkner's and Morrison's approaches to the past.
Finding Essential Job Skills using Text Analytics and Social Media Author(s): Aniketh Upadrasta, College of Business Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Frank Lee Description: Finding the key skill sets required for a particular job from Social media and job portals using text analytics.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Self-Preparedness for the Academic Nurse Educator Role: A Quantitative Survey Author(s): Laura Kincheloe, College of Education Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Aaron Baggett Description: The purpose of this quantitative survey design study was to identify advanced practice registered nurses’ (APRNs) perceived preparedness for their faculty role as it relates to pedagogical skills required of the academic nurse educator. Results were used to identify predictive variables contributing to the overall competency scores for academic nurse educators.
A Study of Fluency Rates of Kinder through Fourth Graders Author(s): Samantha Candia, College of Education Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jodi Pilgrim Description: This study analyzes preexisting data regarding fluency rates of students in 1stthrough 5thgrade at an elementary school in Texas. The research focuses on patterns and trends in fluency rates throughout the specified grade levels and will analyze different factors and growth rates from this preexisting data.
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PAPER PANEL A (MCLANE GREAT HALL B) Racism in Heart of Darkness: A Response to Achebe Author(s): Rebecca Summers, School of Humanities Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Brent Gibson Description: This presentation will cover Chinua Achebe’s literary criticism of racist themes in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness as well as why that view is not entirely correct.
Loneliness as a Theme: John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men Author(s): Heather Partney, School of Humanities Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Brent Gibson Description: Loneliness as a Theme: John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men‚ analysis how loneliness affects each of the characters in the novel Of Mice and Men.
Robert Frost and Nihilism Author(s): Abigail Hahn, School of Humanities Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Brent Gibson Description: Nihilism found in the poems of Robert Frost.
Nelson Mandela: Words with Power or Words that Failed? Author(s): Hannah Crouch, School of Humanities Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Toby Coley Description: In my research I evaluate Nelson Mandela’s autobiography alongside his “I am Prepared to Die” speech from the Rivonia trial in order to answer the following questions. Why is his speech so admired if, from the looks of it, it failed? Was his purpose different than what a normal trial speech would be? If so, was his true purpose accomplished?
Increasing Traditionally Underrepresented Student Populations' Postsecondary Readiness Author(s): Lacy Freeman, College of Education Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Randy Hendricks Description: Traditionally underrepresented student populations are entering college at a rate of one-third of their peers. The inequity that exists in post-secondary enrollment between underrepresented populations and their peers will soon endanger the American economy. Nontraditional policies, procedures, and teaching methods assist students in reaching their full academic and civic potential.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Career and Technical Education in Improving the Post-secondary Outcomes of Low-Socioeconomic Students in the United States Author(s): Kevin Johnson, College of Education Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Randy Hendricks Description: The purpose of this study was to examine CTE concentrators in the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (NCES, 2017) to determine if participation in the selected Programs of Study resulted in different post-secondary participation rates or employment outcomes for lowSES students.
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PAPER PANEL A (MCLANE GREAT HALL C) Wings of Freedom: Exploring Toni Morrsion’s Use Bird Symbolism Author(s): Devyn Ross, School of Humanities Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Janene Lewis Description: Author Toni Morrison uses birds to symbolize both specific characters story and overlapping themes within her works. This presentation will explore the question of what Morrison is trying to convey with her many references to birds in her novels, Song of Solomon, Beloved, and Jazz.
The Original Mrs. Bundren: Addie’s Effect on her Family in Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying Author(s): Autumn Newman, School of Humanities Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Janene Lewis Description: This purpose of this research essay is to understand the ways in which each member of the Bundren family in William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying react to the death of Addie Bundren by evaluating the relationships that Addie had with each member of her family while she was alive.
A Feminist Oversight: Maternal Struggle in Beloved and Song of Solomon Author(s): Miracle Gant, School of Humanities Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Janene Lewis Description: Although the twentieth century’s Feminist movement allowed women to redefine themselves autonomously in the civic and social spheres, its theorists’ focus on white womanhood excludes ethnic women. This paper explores how this social neglect affects mothers of color by examining characters from Toni Morrison’s Beloved and Song of Solomon.
The De Lacey Family: The Transition from Bourgeois to Proletariat and Back Again Author(s): Katrina Wordell, School of Humanities Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Brent Gibson Description: Marxism is a prominent part of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The book takes an unconventional approach of the divide between the bourgeois and proletariat. The characters shift between classes depending on the situation. This paper examines the similarities and differences between the novel and Marx’s view of society.
The Modernist View of a Decaying Family: From the Eyes of Sons Author(s): Harrison Kinney, School of Humanities Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Brent Gibson Description: This paper is a report over two sets of characters in A Long Day’s Journey into Night by Eugene O’Neill and The Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. Focusing on the sons from each story, I will be comparing the boys based on their familial life and endeavors.
A Comparison of Mental Illness in The Sound and the Fury and The Yellow Wallpaper Author(s): Alina Brown, School of Humanities Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Brent Gibson Description: This paper will look at how mental illness is portrayed in The Yellow Wallpaper and then compare the portrayal with how it is represented in The Sound and the Fury. It will contrast how the two works of literature treat the issue character responses, the narrators attitude, imagery, etc.
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PAPER PANEL A (MCLANE GREAT HALL D) The wallpaper's symbolism in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper Author(s): Danny Kown, School of Humanities Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Brent Gibson Description: In this paper I will be discussing the symbolism the wallpaper represents in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's story, The Yellow Wallpaper. The Wallpaper can represent the narrator's imprisonment, the last piece of her sanity, and her true self.
Veterans Voting Behavior: A Look into a Forgotten Sector of Voters Author(s): Rebekah Wood, School of Social Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Janet Adamski Description: The towns co-located with military bases, largely, have diverse populations. This project is to take a look into the way the population of these towns vote compared to other towns. Veterans are a diverse group of individuals, so there is the possibility that they vote differently compared to other towns.
Sleep Habits Relating to Athletic Performance Author(s): Mikaela Spooner, School of Social Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Josh Bias Description: Research shows that exercise improves sleep quality, but does sleep improve athletic performance? This literature review analyzes recent research regarding sleep habits and the effect of sleep quality on cognitive and motor performance. Many articles also consider the effects of acute and chronic sleep habits on motor and cognitive abilities.
Positive Reinforcement And How It Affects Children Author(s): Brieanna Trebbe, School of Social Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Amy Eichler Description: This literature review seeks to understand the effect of positive reinforcement on children in school and after school programs.
A Review of Emotional Intelligence and its Effect on Personality Author(s): Brett Cutts, School of Social Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Aaron Baggett Description: This presentation explores the history of emotional intelligence ( E.I.) and personality in relation to psychology. I examine current research related to E.I. and personality. Lastly, what research should be conducted. Looking to answer the question, “To what extent does personality influence E.I.?�
A Comparative Study of Transitional Services Provided to Youth Aging Out of Foster Care Author(s): MaryAnna Willis, School of Social Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Isaac Gusukuma Description: This study will compare the transitional services available to youth aging out of foster care and the benefit of said services to the youth across Texas, Washington and South Carolina. Transitional services to be examined will include financial assistance - both education and otherwise - along with skills programs the state offers.
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POSTER SESSIONS
10:30 am—11:50 am McLane Great Hall Lobby Bawcom Student Union Building 7
1. Congregational Ethnography: The Ecology, Culture, and Resources of Belton First United Methodist Church Author(s): Brandon Brown, Brett Cutts, School of Social Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Todd Ferguson Description: This study seeks a sociological understanding the ecology, culture, and resources of Belton First United Methodist Church. Here, we looked to Dr. Nancy Ammerman's guide to studying congregations, choosing to conduct an ethnography with the role of participant observer in Belton FUMC's church services and other activities for a semester.
2. The role of Vitamin B6 in relieving the symptoms of Autism: A Literature Research Project Author(s): Skylar Cooper, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: A research project into the role of Vitamin B6 relieving the symptoms of Autism.
3. The Journey to Literary Authenticity: A Study of Legislation’s Impact on Hispanic-American Representation in Children’s Literature Author(s): Ryley Cox, Jordyn Finkenkeller, College of Education Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jodi Pilgrim Description: In this qualitative study, we present our findings on the indirect impact of federal and Texas state legislation within the Hispanic English Learner community. Specifically, we analyzed historical trends in children’s literature to gain insight into the effect of legislation on the authentic representation of Hispanic-Americans over time.
4. An Evaluation of Assessment Equity for Special Education Students Author(s): Mistie Dakroub, College of Education Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Randy Hendricks Description: The purpose of this study is to determine if the STAAR test is an equitable assessment for special education (SPED) students in Texas public schools. The study analyzes 2012-2015 STAAR and STAARM data. The statistical findings point to a need for re-evaluation of SPED student assessment.
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5. Coenzyeme Q10 Specifically Related To Solubility Is Specific Solvents Author(s): Cooper Davies, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: A brief literature research focused on Co-enzyme Q10 and its solubility.
6. Viscosity Studies of Consumer Products with Pharmocological Action Author(s): Makenzi Dawson, De'Asia Robinson, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: This study focused on determining the viscosity of consumer products that have pharmacological action. The consumer products used were coffee and Sialex, which contain caffeine and sialic acid respectively. Both caffeine and sialic acid have been extensively researched and are thought to have both beneficial and detrimental properties to health.
7. Converting Iris Images to Binary Code Author(s): Keith Edwards, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chao Gong Description: A research project compiling several sources in order to present a broad and thorough understanding of how modern-day biometric iris scanners convert an iris image into binary data. In developing this understanding several approaches are evaluated and presented including additional filters and algorithms developed to further the basis methods.
8. Free-Space Optical Communication System Using Laser Author(s): Anthoni Estrada, Kasey Gaar-Humphreys, Tyler Dent, Robert Scanlon, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chengli Wei Description: Free-space optical communication is a technology that uses light propagating in free space to transmit data for telecommunications. Our project demonstrates the principle of optical communication by using a laser to transmit audio signals from a computer. Both electric circuits and 3-D printed cases were successfully designed and fabricated.
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9. Amygdalin, Clinical Claims and Concerns: A Literary Research Study Author(s): Emily Greenough, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: Amygdalin, often referred to as ‚Äòvitamin B17’, continues to be utilized in the treatment of cancer despite a large number of studies that show the treatment to provide no significant benefit and a considerable risk of adverse effects. This review of literature aims to investigate the potential risks accompanying the administration of amygdalin to patients seeking alternative treatments for cancer.
10. Bacteriostatic Effects of Essential Oils and Acne Treatment Regimens Author(s): Alexandria Gutierrez, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Joni Ylostalo Description: Because many suffer from a form of acne, there have been thoughts that acne treatment regimens and alternative medicine can be used to treat the condition. The purpose of this study was to see the bacteriostatic effects that essential oils and acne treatment regimens have.
11. Neurological Effects of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency: A Literature Research Project. Author(s): Shailey Hearn, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: A review of literature assessing of the risks of vitamin B1 deficiency and the mechanism by which it functions.
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Free-Space Optical Communication Apparatus
Author(s): Ryan Hogan, Ryan Himic, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chengli Wei Description: This project creates a free-space optical communication apparatus that demonstrates basic communication technology. The project features: (1) a transmitter that takes an electric audio input and converts it into a light wave for transmission; (2) a receiver that receives the light signal and converts it to an electric audio output.
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Who is A Member of Congress
Author(s): Joel Loua, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Janet Adamski Description: A visual description of job description of a member of the United States Congress. This is a brief look at their roles, responsibilities, along with public perception and the role of district offices.
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Virtual Reality Applications for Medical Analysis
Author(s): Tanner Luce, Christian Anglemyer, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Bill Tanner Description: The project explores potential uses of virtual and augmented reality in the medical field. These uses include CT scan visualizations in 3D, non-invasive estimations of vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, etc.) using sensors, and training simulations for students.
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Viscosity of Facial Toners
Author(s): Sierra Moody, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: The viscosity of several different facial toners were measured at different temperatures. The viscosity of facial toners claiming to treat acne were compared to those that do not claim to treat acne.
16. The Role of Vitamin K in Blood Clotting and Bone Formation - A Literature Research Study Author(s): Dat Nguyen, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: A literature research on Vitamin K and its involvement in the body's blood clotting cascade and bone formation. How the body reuses the vitamin, what results in its deficiency and where to restock them.
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17. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Development and Deficiency in Children and Adolescents Author(s): Taylore Pleas, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: This study evaluates the amount of supplemented vitamin B12 within young children. The development and metabolic processing play a crucial role in the fundamental biology of growth at this age. Key factors of newborn retention of vitamin B12 can be closely studied to examine the later onset issues.
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Eating Disorders and How They Affect Relationships
Author(s): Madison Polk, School of Social Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Amy Eichler Description: This is an essay focused on how having an eating disorder can affect an individual’s relationships. The relationships focused on in this assignment are with family, friends, romantic relationships, and societies views.
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Vitamin E and Its Role in Skin Care: A Literature Research Project
Author(s): Morgan Raines, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: Vitamins are part of many American's daily lives, however most people do not know what these substances actually do to their body. This literary research project highlights the effects of vitamin E upon skin health and how to protect your skin from every-day harmful influences.
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The Determining Factors of Self-Perceived Societal Rank
Author(s): Hannah Rodgers, School of Social Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Todd Ferguson Description: This research was conducted to identify the determining factors of individuals’ self-perceived rank. Health levels, education levels, gender, and immigration status were hypothesized to have an impact on a person’s self-perceived societal rank. The findings showed that education and health were the largest determining factors of rank from this study.
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Cancer Prevention With Vitamin A: A Literary Research Exploration
Author(s): Hailey Rodgers, School of Social Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: I reviewed literature articles regarding how Vitamin A affects cancer treatment and prevention. The studies used different forms of Vitamin A on different types of cancer. Although the data wasn't completely conclusive, there was a significant correlation between Vitamin A usage and cancer cells decreasing.
22. Most Effective Isolated Antibiotic in Inhibiting Staphylococcus epidermidis Growth Author(s): Alvaro Saenz, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Joni Ylostalo Description: Most Effective Isolated Antibiotic in Inhibiting Staphylococcus epidermidis Growth.
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Bringing Growth to Belton
Author(s): Karina Trevino, School of Social Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Janet Adamski Description: A poster describing the authors experience and perspective with an internship at Belton’s Economic Development Corporation.
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Health Effects of Vitamin D
Author(s): Brianna Vitan, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: The sunshine Vitamin, Vitamin D is produced by the body as a response to sun exposure, rich-food intake and supplements. Having enough Vitamin D is important for good overall health and strong-healthy bones; it protects against a range of conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis.
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25. Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Vitamins B1 and B2 in Common Wheat: A Literature Research Study Author(s): Ashley Winkle, School of Natural Sciences Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ruth Ann Murphy Description: Vitamin B2 is a necessary part of anyone's diet though obtained from an outside source. Wheat enriched with vitamin B2 is a great source for diets. At one point it was thought that B1 and B2 were the same vitamin but genome mapping has proven this idea false.
26. Fluctuations in Blood Biomarkers of Head Trauma in NCAA Men's Soccer Athletes Over the Course of a Season Author(s): Javier Zaragoza, Andreas Kreutzer, Jonathan Oliver, Anthony Anzalone, Tori Como, David Julovich, James Hall, Sid O'Bryant, School of Exercise Science Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lem Taylor Description: With growing concern over sports-related head injuries, detection and subsequent care of these neurological injuries is paramount. The advancement of immunoassays allows for the possible detection of head trauma in sports with repetitive subconcussive impacts via routine blood sampling. Two biomarkers of interest include Tau and Neurofilament Light Peptide.
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AI Self-Driving RC Car
Author(s): Jonathan Simmons, Tanner Luce, Kieth Edwards, Travis Teague, School of Natural Science Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Heejun Choi Description: Research into developing self driving RC cars using inexpensive components to be able to interact with a big data cluster on a University Server for the purpose of training models.
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