Scholars' Day 2015 Program by University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Welcome to the University of Mary HardinBaylor’s Seventh Annual Scholars’ Day. Sponsored by the College of Sciences, Scholars’ Day showcases outstanding undergraduate and graduate research that has taken place on the UMHB campus during the academic year. Over 100 UMHB students and 35 faculty sponsors have contributed to this year’s presentations. We hope you enjoy meeting with these UMHB scholars today and learning about their exciting research. Please fill out a feedback survey and tell us how we can make Scholars’ Day even better next year. (Completing the survey also enters you to win either an Amazon Kindle Fire or a 5-in-1 Stereo Entertainment Center!) Thanks for being a part of this important academic event!

*Cover art designed by David Sulsh, a graduate of UMHB’s Department of Biology.

Schedule of Events Time

Event

Early (AM) – 3:15 PM

Posters/exhibits available for viewing (2nd floor, Bawcom)

10:55 AM

Welcome and Introductions (Great Hall C, Bawcom)

11:00 AM

Lecture by Drs. Carl and Amy Gilbert (Great Hall C, Bawcom)

11:00 AM–1:00 PM

Senior Art Exhibits: “Nuestra Cultura: Journey and Heritage” (Baugh Center for the Visual and Performing Arts)

12:00 PM

Lunch for Presenters, Faculty Sponsors, and Invited Guests (Great Hall A, Bawcom)

1:30–3:15 PM

Poster Session Presentations (2nd floor, Bawcom)

1:00–4:00 PM

Papers/other presentations (Great Hall C/D/E, Bawcom)

“Why Conduct Research?” Drs. Carl & Amy Gilbert 11:00 AM (Great Hall C, Bawcom Student Union) Why conduct research? What do I need to do to prepare for a career in scholarship/research? Would I prefer to be an academic scholar or to engage in scholarship in a commercial setting? These and other questions frequently are asked by students who are trying to determine the most appropriate route for their career preparation. Using their own success in academic, commercial, and industrial research as a backdrop, Dr. Carl Gilbert and Dr. Amy Gilbert will answer many of the questions that students ask regarding professional scholarship. Students will gain a greater understanding of the role of scholarship/research in the professional arena, more insight into the preparation needed for success, and an appreciation for the different views on scholarship/research held by professionals in academics, commerce, and industry. _________________

SCHOLARS’ DAY GUEST SPEAKERS Dr. Carl Gilbert, Ph.D., began his career as a junior high and high school

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science teacher, where he taught primarily physical science and biology. Following a five-year tenure teaching at the secondary level, Dr. Gilbert completed his graduate degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.) with emphases in food safety and microbiology. He since has served as a microbial physiologist at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and as the director of science education at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. It was in Arkansas where he also began his career in academic administration where he served as the Department Head of the Biology for five years before accepting the position of Dean of the College of Sciences at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. During his career, Dr. Gilbert has engaged in a wide variety of scholarship endeavors that have led to more than 45 professional presentations and publications on topics ranging from the development of molecular methods of detecting bacterial pathogens on food products to methods of teaching science through language arts. He considers professional scholarship to (continued on the next page) 4

be a vital part of his career and continues to collaborate with students, faculty, and industry professionals in his current research endeavors. He also considers himself fortunate to be able to include collaborations with his wife, an international expert on poultry science and food microbiology.

Dr. Amy Gilbert received her B.S. in Poultry Science and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology (emphasis on poultry products) at Texas A&M University. Upon graduation she accepted a position at the University of Arkansas where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in egg and poultry products technology. In addition, she conducted research in the areas of poultry composition, processing technologies, and microbial control procedures related to eggs and raw poultry products. Additionally, she worked directly with poultry companies and related industries, collaborated with other poultry scientists nationally, and consulted in many foreign countries, including the former Soviet Union, the Ukraine, Taiwan, China, Panama, Columbia, Costa Rica, Germany and the Netherlands. During this academic tenure, Dr. Gilbert advised numerous graduate students and published and presented extensively. In 2000 Dr. Gilbert made a change in her career goals and accepted the position of Director of Research & Development in a start-up food safety company called Safe Foods Corp. Today, this is a multi-million dollar company with customers world-wide. Dr. Gilbert holds three patents, has written two book chapters, and has over 150 publications, proceedings, and presentations. She has worked with USDA, FDA and EPA to gain approval for various food safety technologies. Dr. Gilbert has served as editor for six scientific journals and helped in the development of Operation Food Safety, a food safety curriculum for elementary children. Currently, Dr. Gilbert uses her expertise and serves as a private consultant in the area of food safety.

VISUAL ARTS Artists present from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM (Baugh Center for the Visual Arts) Title: Nuestra Cultura: Journey and Heritage Description: The art exhibit for Scholars’ Day is a senior exhibition titled “Nuestra Cultura: Journey and Heritage.” The show will be presented in the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts gallery from April 27th through May 9th. The artists will be available to talk about their work for gallery visitors on Scholar’s Day, Monday, April 27, from 11:00 until 1:00. (Artists: Donald McNiesh, Gabrielle De La Cruz, Graciela Olivarez, Crista Cook; Faculty Sponsor: Hershall Seals)

POSTER SESSION 1:30-3:15 PM (Bawcom Student Union, 2nd Floor Lobby) #1 — Undergraduate Laboratory Synthesis of an Ionic Liquid Abstract: The goal of this project was to find a simple and effective means of synthesizing pure 1-butyl-3-methylImidazolium bromide (BMIMBr). Current literature reports more traditional heat and stir methods of synthesis, but such result in the formation of trace impurities. In contrast, without stirring or heating high yields of colorless BMIMBr were achieved. (Author: Matthew Acker; Faculty Sponsor: Paul Primrose) #2 — Bullying Today: Does Cyber Bullying Increase due to Phone’s providing More Accessibility? Abstract: This study researched whether the presence and use of social media technology provides a higher chance for cyber bullying caused by quick accessibility to social media among college students. Our group predicted there would be a high frequency between individuals with social media and their chances of experiencing cyber bullying. (Authors: Mirella Torres, Ashanike Creighton, Talon Pepper; Faculty Sponsor: Cecilia Erlund) #3 — Analysis of branched-chain amino acid breakdown using propionateresistant mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana Abstract: Propionate is involved in a metabolic pathway to break down branched-chain amino acids. From ~100,000 seedlings grown on propionate, 31 putative, propionate-resistant mutants were isolated with abnormally robust root growth. These findings could reveal features of the breakdown of essential amino acids in humans and allow crop improvements to yield grains

with balanced protein content to benefit human nutrition. (Author: Heath Spencer; Faculty Sponsor: Andy Woodward)

The observations were recorded. (Authors: Thao Giang, Priscilla Franklin; Faculty Sponsor: Andy Woodward)

#4 — Development of a sensitive and low-cost immunosensor based on capacitive measurements and self-assembled monolayers Abstract: The capacitance method can be used to develop low-cost and sensitive immunosensors that aid in the detection of antigens. The sensitivity of detection was enhanced by layering thiourea and glutaraldehyde onto a gold electrode, a concept that is based on self-assembled monolayer (SAM). . (Authors: Malintha Abeysiri, Marie Stephensen; Faculty Sponsor: Lin Gao)

#9 — The Effect of Rainwater Composition on Soluble Phosphorus Runoff in the Western Lake Erie Basin Abstract: Changes in rainwater chemistry over the past 25 years have been hypothesized to be a factor in the increase of phosphorus loss to Lake Erie. This study was conducted to determine if rainwater chemistry can impact phosphorus solubility from soil. Results suggest that there is a direct relationship. (Author: Marie Stephensen; Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Ann Murphy)

#5 — College and Career Readiness Standards of Texas: Effectiveness for AtRisk Youth Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions of teachers on the effectiveness of classroom instruction and school organization in meeting the College and Career Readiness Standards of Texas for at-risk students. (Author: April Michaud; Faculty Sponsor: Marlene Zipperlen)

#10 — Effects of TeaCrine Supplementation on Mood Profiles, Hemodynamics, and Blood Safety Profiles in Healthy Adults Abstract: This study evaluated the dietary supplement TeaCrine in an 8-week study to examine the effects of chronic ingestion on safety markers and mood profiles. This study was funded by an external grant from Compound Solutions, Inc. and was conducted in the Human Performance Lab within the EXSS Department. (Authors: Jacy Mullins, Stacie Urbina, Sara Hayward, Emily Santos, Katelyn Villa, Nicole Vianna, Shelbey Perkins, Alyssa Olivencia, Jennifer Ander, Shannon McGorty, Maegon Sauer; Faculty Sponsor: Lemuel Taylor)

#6 — Effects of Religious Commitment on Perceptions of Alcohol Consumption Among College Students Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between religious commitment and views of alcohol consumption. We administered the Religious Commitment Scale followed by a two-question survey asking participants to indicate the frequency and amount with which they consume alcohol, if at all (Authors: Celine Wise, Ke'Eria Watkins, Monique Reid; Faculty Sponsor: Aaron Baggett) #7 — Identification of Effects of Nicotine and Calcium on Planarian Regeneration Abstract: Planarians have great capacity to regenerate new tissues in response to injury. However, exposure to chemicals such as nicotine can influence their ability to regenerate new tissues. In this study, planarians were exposed to various concentrations of nicotine, and the effects on regeneration rates were measured. (Authors: Kathryn McMillan, Rebecca Burrow, Alecia Varlack, Jerry Webber; Faculty Sponsor: Heidi DiFrancesca)

#11 — A Healthy Lifestyle Contributes to a Higher GPA Abstract: This study assessed the relationship between health factors and the GPA of UMHB students. Participants were surveyed about their exercise, eating, and sleep habits to see if these related to their reported GPAs. Initial results indicate a positive correlation between healthy habits and academic performance. (Authors: Athina Katseyeanis, MaryLuz Hood, Angelie Juaneza; Faculty Sponsor: Cecilia Erlund ) #12 — Decreasing Adverse Medication Administration Events Abstract: As senior nursing students, we developed the Tube Organization Device, which separates tubing and wires between the hospitalized patient and medical devices, thereby simplifying tube tracing. Because delivery of a medication through an incorrect tubing port can cause a fatal event, tube tracing is extremely important. (Authors: Samuel Causley, Jennifer R. Sellers, Christopher Williams; Faculty Sponsor: Teresa Beamon)

#8 — Isolation of IBA-Resistant Mutants of the Model Plant Arabidopsis thaliana Abstract: In plants, the β-oxidation of fatty acids is similar to the conversion of IBA to IAA, and both processes occur in peroxisome organelles. IBA-resistant mutants are characterized by specific phenotypes. Potential mutants were identified and analyzed through an IBA assay with Arabidopsis thaliana seeds.

#13 — Acquisition of American Sign Language as a Second Language Abstract: This project examined a proposed method of color-based instruction for second language learners of American Sign Language. Those receiving color-based instruction completed signs more quickly and with higher accuracy than those receiving traditional instruction. (Author: Kelsie Finn; Faculty Sponsor: Trent Terrell)

#14 — Go-Yield-Stop Abstract: Patients in the acute setting are identified in the electronic health record as a fall risk on admission. All patients are given a yellow risk band when they meet fall risk criteria. Graduate nurses are proposing color coded socks to be used on all patients identified upon admission as being a fall risk. Green would indicate -Low Fall Risk, Yellow would indicate- Moderate Fall Patients identified as a fall risk would utilizing colored coded socks decrease falls in acute care setting, Red would indicate - High Fall Risk. (Authors: Kendra Green and Randy McSwain; Faculty Sponsor: Teresa Beamon) #15 — The Effects of Indole-3-Butyric Acid on Root Growth and Development of Arabidopsis thaliana Abstract: IBA is an important plant hormone that significantly affects plant growth and development, and a better understanding of IBA function could benefit agriculture and human nutrition. In these experiments, Arabidopsis thaliana was grown on nutrient-rich medium and treated with indole-3butyric acid (IBA) in order to identify and isolate IBA-resistant mutants. (Author: Sangheetha Kannan; Faculty Sponsor: Andy Woodward) #16 — Do Variably Timed Word-Recall Tasks Affect Memory? Abstract: We evaluated the effects, on memory, of presenting word-pairs under time constraints. Participants were given 60 seconds to view a list of 10 word pairs. Participants were then given between 10 and 4 seconds to match words. We hypothesized a positive correlation between time allowed and number of words recalled. (Authors: Jason Stack, Athina Katseyeanis, Dylan Mathis; Faculty Sponsor: Aaron Baggett) #17 — Financial Management Education Effectiveness Abstract: This study proposes to conduct an evaluation of the Helping Hands Ministry financial management training program. Using existing program data, this study seeks to determine if the financial management training program has been effective in reducing client reliance on the Benevolence Fund Program provided through Helping Hands Ministry. (Authors: Christy Dilligard, Michael Lee Sheffield, Cassidy Mallett, Luisa-Maria Frias; Faculty Sponsor: Isaac Gusukuma) #18 — Factors Contributing to Child Prostitution in Northern Ireland Abstract: This literature review examined factors contributing to child prostitution in Northern Ireland. It determined factors related to social process theory and the impact on the development of policy and practice. The aim of this research was to better understand the implication of social process theory in relation to factors contributing to juvenile delinquency and child prosti9

tution in Northern Ireland. (Author: Rebecka Diamond; Faculty Sponsor: Christine Nix) #19 — CHG to the Rescue Abstract: This project looks at the possible reduction of infection from the application of a Chlorhexadine Gluconate impregnated foam disc on drain tubes. (Authors: Richard Stoneburner, Trendalyn King, Katie Watson; Faculty Sponsor: Shelley Blackwood) #20 — Recruitment of mast cells into the cholangiocarcinoma tumor microenvironment increases proliferation/angiogenesis via c-kit/SCF Abstract: Cholangiocarcinoma is a primary liver tumor that is often fatal. Mast cells are inflammatory cells that infiltrate tissues in response to damage. Treatments for cholangiocarcinoma are limited. Our study demonstrates that (i) mast cells invade cholangiocarcinoma tumors and (ii) blocking mast cell recruitment may be a beneficial treatment strategy. (Author: Jennifer Leigh Owens; Faculty Sponsors: Heather Francis) #21 — Students’ Perceptions of the Effects of Computer Proficiency on Developmental Mathematics Success Abstract: The objective of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand students’ perceptions of computer proficiency in developmental mathematics courses as it relates to their success. Results revealed two primary themes, two secondary themes, and two tertiary themes. The two primary themes were comfort level with technology and problems with technology. (Author: Justin Winkler; Faculty Sponsor: Randall Hendricks) #22 — Genetically Modified Organisms and How They Relate to Today's Diseases Abstract: Genetically Modified Organisms were introduced into our food supply in 1995. Since their introduction, today’s prevalent diseases have skyrocketed. Participants were polled to determine level of awareness of relationship of GMOs to today’s diseases in order to measure any effect food label contents concerning GMOs would have on shopping choices. (Authors: Deborah LaRive, Dontrey Dukes, Ke'Eria Watkins; Faculty Sponsor: Cecilia Erlund) #23 — Effects of Timed Memory Tasks on Self-Reported Heart Rate Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of timed memory tasks on self-reported heart rate. Participants completed a series of word-pair recall tasks under varying time conditions. We hypothesized a negative, linear correlation between time and participants’ heart rate. (Authors: Donovan Dozier, Mirella Torres, Shardae Johnson; Faculty Sponsor: Aaron Baggett)

#24 — The Effect of Mouthwash on Lactobacillus acidophilus Abstract: Lactobacillus is known to play an important role in the maintenance of health by stimulating natural immunity and contributing to microflora balance. In this experiment, Lactobacillus acidophilus, a common oral microorganism, will be exposed to different mouthwashes to test resistance in relation to active ingredients in mouthwash. (Authors: Billy Brown, Nicole Cunanan, Shannon Fenton; Faculty Sponsor: Kathy Wood)

#29 — Differentiating Bell County Snail Species by Identifying Species-Specific or Genus-Specific Genomic Differences Abstract: The purpose of this project is to determine if there is a sequence variation that could potentially make it easier to differentiate among different snail species. This will be accomplished by looking at the COI gene or 16S mtDNA of the different snail species in Bell County, Texas. (Author: Sarah Velo ; Faculty Sponsor: Kathy Wood)

#25 — A Study of Qualities that Characterize Men Seeking Short-Term Versus Long-Term Relationships Abstract: The current study seeks to find a relationship between personality and short versus long-term dating preferences among male undergraduate students. The Big Five Personality Inventory will be administered. Participants will then be asked to indicate whether they are currently interested in either a short- or long-term dating relationship. (Authors Spencer Sims, Kersten Gonce, Kayla Zimmerman; Faculty Sponsor: Aaron Baggett)

#30 — The Impact of Recession on Tuition, Enrollment, and State Appropriations to Higher Education Abstract: This is a multidisciplinary study which examines the interrelationship between a measure of a recession, tuition, enrollment, and state appropriations to higher education through an econometric prism. (Author: Peter Ejirika; Faculty Sponsor: Robert Rose & Paul Stock)

#26 — The Identification of Symbiotic Bacteria Colonizing the Roots of Acacia smallii Abstract: Acacia smallii is a shrub found throughout central and south Texas. The range of this shrub is increasing due to its symbiotic relationship with rhizobial bacteria. The purpose of this project is to identify these bacteria by sequencing the highly variable region of the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic (IGS) regions. (Author: John Michael Monneyham Jr; Faculty Sponsor: Kathy Wood) #27 — Catabolism of valine, an essential amino acid, in Arabidopsis thaliana Abstract: This project is an investigation of the breakdown of essential branched-chain amino acids in the peroxisome organelle of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Two mutants were isolated based on resistance to isobutyric acid. Mutants were crossed with Arabidopsis wild-type females, and purified DNA is being prepared for genetic sequencing. (Authors: John Williams, Erica M. Richardson; Faculty Sponsor: Andy Woodward) #28 — COPs and POPs: A case study of police departments nationwide Abstract: This research is an analysis of the two main stream policing philosophies, community oriented policing and problem oriented policing. It examines theories, methods, and successes of different programs established nationwide, in an effort to determine the best recommended for future implementation. (Authors: Kelsie Finn, Josh Gammill; Faculty Sponsor: Christine Nix)

#31 — Barriers for Women in Higher Education Leadership Positions: A Case Study Abstract: Research reveals barriers that lead to the underrepresentation of women in higher education leadership positions. The researchers explore commonalities between identified barriers and the experiences of a female higher education administrator. Mentoring and other strategies are identified to help women leaders defy the cultural and societal barriers that exist in the higher education setting. (Authors: Kimberly Hornsby, Angelica Villafuerte, Jonathan Gary; Faculty Sponsor: Hollis Lowery-Moore) #32 — Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Implement Research-Based Strategies: A Quantitative Study of Teacher Educators' Perceptions Abstract: No Child Left Behind requires teachers to use research-based strategies in the classroom. However, understanding and evaluating research are skills that many teachers lack. In this quantitative study, teacher educators completed a survey related to their perceptions on how research skills are taught within Texas teacher preparation programs. (Author: Amanda Michelle Castro; Faculty Sponsor: Christie Bledsoe) #33 — The Relationship Between Primary Alkyl Straight Chain Amines with Varying Number of Carbons and Viscosity Abstract: The number of carbons in a straight chain amine is related to its viscosity. The viscosities of amines were determined, and a graph was generated. The possibility of developing a formula, which predicts the viscosity of a straight chain amine based on its number of carbons, is being researched. (Author: Kendall McGahey; Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Ann Murphy)

#34 — Case Worker Perception of Student Needs in the CIS Program Abstract: This descriptive study examines Community in Schools (CIS) caseworker perceptions of the needs of children from military and non-military families. Understanding and recognizing the needs of children are the first steps for providing quality care and programming for all children in CIS, enriching their lives and supporting student success. (Authors: Chelsie Ellison, Raquel Ramirez, Elicia Moore, Julianne Bonham, Sarah Fields; Faculty Sponsor: Isaac Gusukuma) #35 — Massachusetts Population Prediction Abstract: In our project we predict the future population of Massachusetts from past Census data. Using differential equations, least squares, and optimization techniques, we calculate a model that best fits past Census records. (Authors: Alex Oard, Kendall Pye; Faculty Sponsor: Sharon Moore) #36 — Autonomous Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Guided Vehicle: Proof of Concept Abstract: I created a drone that is cheap, disposable, receives GPS signals, controls motors, and stops at final destination. Navigation was accomplished using an engineering computer language that receives signals from a satellite and compares them with the user’s coordinates to navigate to all locations input by the user. (Author: Jesse Ray Early; Faculty Sponsor: Paul Griesemer)

PAPER SESSIONS Session 1: Romanticism to Realism - American Literature 1:00-1:55 PM (BSU Great Hall D) Paper #1: Song of Myself’: An American Epic Abstract: This paper portrays Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" as a democratic version of ancient epic forms. It evaluates the poetic substance in terms of traditional genre characteristics and concludes that Whitman both adheres to and redefines established epic standards. (Author: Katrina Lundgren; Faculty Sponsor: Brent Gibson) Paper #2: Realism versus Romanticism in “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” Abstract: This paper explores the literary movements represented in Ambrose Bierce’s “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.” Bierce illustrates the change from the Romantic period to the Realism period. He uses symbolism and literary techniques to show the reader the differences of the two periods and how they relate. (Author: Victoria Culpepper; Faculty Sponsor: Brent Gibson)

Paper #3: Critiques of Modern Views of Nature in Flannery O'Connor's "The Turkey" Abstract: “The Turkey,” Flannery O’Connor’s early short story about a young boy’s experience with a wounded turkey in a forest, depicts a relationship between God, Nature, and metaphysics that serves to critique the contemporary, modern conception of this relationship in O’Connor’s day. This presentation offers an interpretation of the story. (Author: Jake Raabe; Faculty Sponsor: Stephen Barnes)

Session 2: I Saw it Myself: Learning from Experience 1:00-1:55 PM (BSU Great Hall E) Paper #4: The Day and Life of a Farmer in Bell County Texas Abstract: This project explores a day-in-the-life of a Bell County farmer from the late 1800s to post World War II. Across the generations, technological change and scientific advances mean some of those factors have changed dramatically. Yet as the oral histories of Bell County farmers demonstrate, some factors have remained constant. (Author: Jonathan Paul Morris; Faculty Sponsor: Janet Adamski) Paper #5: Clarifying Congress: Fallacy vs. Fact Abstract: The paper "Clarifying Congress: Fallacy vs. Fact" combines the personal experience of a congressional intern with research to give United States citizens a better understanding of their legislative body and how it works on their behalf. (Author: Antonio Battiste Hebert; Faculty Sponsor: Janet Adamski)

Session 3: Building Success in Education 1:00-1:55 PM (BSU Great Hall C) Paper #6: College and Career Readiness Standards in Texas: Effectiveness for At-Risk Youth Abstract: With nearly half the students in Texas labeled as at-risk, educators must take action to ensure the academic success of every child. This qualitative study explored teachers’ perceptions of strategies impacting the success of at-risk students in relation to the College and Career Readiness Standards of Texas. (Author: April Michaud; Faculty Sponsor: Robert Rose) Paper #7: Closing the Achievement Gap: Characteristics of Principals Who Have Successfully Closed the Achievement Gap Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify principal practices that led 14

to closing the achievement gap in high minority, high poverty schools. (Brown, Benkovitz, Mutillo, & Urban, 2011). Defining the school mission, managing the instructional program, and promoting a positive learning climate were indicators used to measure principal practices. (Author: Peggy Johnson; Faculty Sponsor: Randall Hendricks)

Session 4: Character as Guide in British Literature 2:00-2:55 PM (BSU Great Hall E) Paper #8: Binary Oppositions: Foils and Indirect Characterization in Frankenstein Abstract: The structuralist concept of binary oppositions will be introduced along with analysis of the character Victor Frankenstein in comparison with the primary and secondary characters in the novel. An understanding of the principles of the presence-absence dichotomy will facilitate readers' understanding and interaction with the text. (Author: Kelsey Belcher; Faculty Sponsor: Jacky Dumas) Paper #9: Chaucer’s Venus and the Destruction of Love Abstract: In Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, Venus, the Roman goddess, foreshadows the destruction of love; her ties to the damaging of love and the people it binds can be seen in The Franklin’s Tale, The Merchant’s Tale, The Physician’s Tale, and The Knight’s Tale. (Author: Erin Buerschinger; Faculty Sponsor: Laura Bedwell)

Session 5: Working for Change 2:00-2:55 PM (BSU Great Hall D) Paper #10: A Woman’s Turn to Speak Abstract: Sojourner Truth gave an impassioned speech that has had a lasting effect on today’s world and forged a path for women such as Mary Fisher to stand and be heard. (Author: Tracy Sopko; Faculty Sponsor: Jevon Green) Paper #11: The Nurse Corps WWII: Prisoners of War Abstract: Members of The Nurse Corps during WWII demonstrated dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism by serving wounded soldiers and maintaining a high level of morale despite the adverse conditions they operated under. Their service established the nursing corps as an essential branch of the military. (Author: Holly Millican; Faculty Sponsor: Claire Phelan)

Paper #12: The Changing Tides of the Africa Squadron Abstract: Despite the hardships encountered by the Africa Squadron, and the lack of support from political and military leadership, the efforts of these sailors are an often forgotten step taken by the U.S. to end the trans-Atlantic slave trade (Author: James Seale; Faculty Sponsor: Claire Phelan)

Session 6: Old Masters and New Trends: Psychological Analysis 2:00-2:55 PM (BSU Great Hall C) Paper #13: Literature Review of Jean Piaget Abstract: Jean Piaget is widely known for his works in developmental psychology. As Freud formed theories and stages of the development of children, and Erikson formed theories and stages from birth to death, Piaget divided development and cognitive growth into fixed stages. His focus was on the intellectual development of children which was the emphasis of this review of literature (Author: Elida Hinojosa; Faculty Sponsor: Cecilia Erlund) Paper #14: Careers of Miller and Neisser in Cognitive Psychology Abstract: In a field dominated by the observation of behavior, cognitive psychology shifts the focus of research back to consciousness. The study of behavior gives little insight into the thoughts and mental processes of humans and animals, an insight that cognitive psychologists such as Miller and Neisser aimed to investigate. (Author: Courtney Raye; Faculty Sponsor: Cecilia Erlund) Paper #15: Literature Review of the Feminist School of Psychology Abstract: According to Crawford and Unger (2004), psychology is shifting to a more balanced and inclusive field of study. Without this shift, society may perpetuate standards of inequality that persist when individual beliefs hold fast to the superiority of one group over another. This presentation will explore these topics further. (Author: Katelyn Keeling; Faculty Sponsor: Cecilia Erlund)

Session 7: Parsing Personality in Literary Characters 3:00-3:55 PM (BSU Great Hall C) Paper #16: Understanding Emily Grierson: an analysis of the story by William Faulkner Abstract: This paper analyzes William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily.” Emily Grierson starts as a sheltered young girl and evolves into a murderer because she is cut off from reality. Through Emily, Faulkner presents the effects of early isolation on human development and the reaction of rebellion after being 16

sheltered as a young child. (Author: Joan Margaret Gray; Faculty Sponsor: Laura Bedwell) Paper #17: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Tennessee William’s A Streetcar Named Desire Abstract: This essay explores the signs and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder displayed by the character Blanche in Tennessee William’s play, A Streetcar Named Desire; it discusses various examples of PTSD behavior exhibited by Blanche throughout the play. (Author: Brianna Rene Velarde; Faculty Sponsor: Stephen Barnes) Paper #18: Analysis of Raskolnikov in the Context of Antisocial Personality Theory Abstract: This paper examines the character of Raskolnikov from Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel, Crime and Punishment. This paper will argue that Raskolnikov exemplifies anti-social personality disorder from a diagnostic standpoint. (Author: Sherry Anness; Faculty Sponsor: Brent Gibson)

Session 8: Politics & Religion and the Politics of Religion 3:00-3:55 PM (BSU Great Hall D) Paper #19: The Good, the Bad, and the Collection: Paul's Offering for the Jerusalem Church Abstract: Did Paul broker a financial deal with Jerusalem leaders? A recent, scholarly project says “yes.” This paper argues that Paul collected money from churches both in order to assist the poor, which would increase church unity, and in order to sway the elders in Jerusalem to establish Gentile-friendly churches. (Author: Taylor Irby; Faculty Sponsor: Renate Hood)

Paper #21: Civil Religion and President Barack Obama Abstract: This paper gives an overview of President Barack Obama's use of civil religion for the first 6 years of his presidency and examines two different theories that have been used to explain his use of civil religion. (Author: Zachary Craig; Faculty Sponsor: David Holcomb)

Session 9: The Medium Enhances/Influences the Message 3:00-3:55 PM (BSU Great Hall E) Paper #22: A Study of the Impact of Movies on the Readership of Young Adult Books Abstract: Do movies truly influence people’s reading choices? An examination of descriptive data associated with young adult books recently converted into films, such as The Hunger Games, If I Stay, The Maze Runner, and Divergent, addresses this question in a nationally presented research project. (Author: Elizabeth Stefanski; Faculty Sponsor: Jodi Pilgrim) Paper #23: The Feeling of Music: Interactions Between Music Emotion Research and Informed Performance and Listening Abstract: This lecture recital examines recent research exploring the mechanisms whereby music expresses emotion. Implications are explored for how examining these musical mechanisms for expressing emotion can lead to deeper enjoyment with and engagement of the music for both the performer and audience, followed by a short demonstrative recital. (Author: Lydia West; Faculty Sponsor: Josh Albrecht)

Paper #20: When the Saints Go Marching In: Wilberforce and the Clapham Saints Abolish the Slave Trade Abstract: William Wilberforce was considered to be the main figure in abolishing the British slave trade. While he merits his reputation as the leader of the trade’s abolition, his cause was strengthened by his involvement within the Clapham Saints. Together, they revolutionized British politics by abolishing the slave trade. (Author: Joshua Dean Stewart; Faculty Sponsor: Rebecca Peterson)

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