2005 Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship Presentations

Search Abstacts:		Poster Presentations	Oral Presentations	All Presentations
Oral Presentation
Surving The Tough Times: How the Midieval English Peasant Maintained Self-Sufficiency
Candi Harmon Mentor :Kay Slocum, Professor History College of Arts & Sciences	While many consider medieval Europe to be a dark period full of wars and strife, the Middle Ages actually consisted of various institutions that allowed people of all socioeconomic classes to live in relative harmony with each other and their surroundings. Throug hout several centuries, the medieval peasant derived protection from the lord but needed to be otherwise self-sufficient. In the manorial system, the peasant grew all the grain and crops necessary to feed his or her livestock and family; in addition, the harvest was used to pay the required taxes to the lord. In a system where agriculture was a daily necessity, one must wonder what happened in times of bad fortune brought on by severe weather or a bad harvest. This paper will explore the various methods used by the medieval peasant to deal with famine. Peasants learned from their mistakes, as they developed better farming techniques and encouraged manorial legislation to avoid disaster in the future. Through an analysis of manorial court rolls and the Domesday Book, one can ascertain the impressive ability of these people to adapt to the ever-changing world.
NCUR

Oral Presentation
Small Ensembles in the High School Instrumental Music Program
Claire Haas Mentor :Tom Zugger, Assistant Professor Faculty Conservatory of Music	Traditionally, large ensembles, usually bands and orchestras, have been the center of high school instrumental music programs. Smaller ensembles, either classical chamber ensembles or jazz combos, are usually reserved for only the most advanced players in the program. These ensembles are typically not taken for credit and get limited rehearsal time and instructional time, normally before or after school. However, small ensembles provide a very positive learning environment, as a high level of musicianship is required of each and every member. Skills that are necessary in a small ensemble, such as independence on ones own part, communication between members of the ensemble, and blending and balancing sound, once learned, can be applied to other ensembles. This study examines alternative approaches to instrumental music at the high school level that incorporate small ensemble based learning. This study focuses on the logistics of such programs (curriculum, funding, scheduling! , etc.), the pedagogy used, and their outcomes in terms of student musicianship development. Case studies of schools with programs emphasizing small ensemble playing, both chamber music (such as Lakota West High School in Ohio) and jazz combos (such as Ann Arbor Community High Scho ol in Michigan), are the basis for this research.
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Oral Presentation
GenBank Database Conversions in Parallel for use with FPGAs
Eric Franz Mentor :Ingatios Vakalis, Associate Professor, CS/Math Math/Computer Science/Physics College of Arts & Sciences	Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a new technology used to speed up certain computations that are repeated continuously over different data. FPGAs are currently being use in the Mars exploration rover missions. The Ohio Supercomputing Center is using FPGA's to speed up computations on genetic information. This information is gathered from the GenBank database, which is a publicly accessible database of all of the public domain DNA sequences. To work with the FPGAs, the GenBank database files must be converted into a special binary format. Current sequential programs accomplish this conversion at a very slow rate, given large amounts of data to be converted. The research project involves the parallelization of this conversion process using Message Passing Interface. Current results show promise for at l east a twenty percent speed increase, with the potential of massive speedup results.
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Oral Presentation
Nebulization Treatments of Cystic Fibrosis and Non-CF Mice with Different Saline Vehicles: Impact of Zinc and ATP on Inflammatory Endpoints
Holleh M. Moheimani Mentor :Kerry L. Cheesman, Professor Biological Sciences College of Arts & Sciences	Inherent defects exist in the immune response of the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) lung. Collectively, the literature suggests that defects in Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) expression and function facilitate a heightened airway inflammatory response, comprised of an increased leukocyte infiltration and IL-8 production and altered NF-kB activation. Previous studies have shown that application of zinc and ATP to the CF airways rescues defective chloride secretion. This study examined whether application of zinc and ATP would also attenuate leukocyte infiltration, chemokine production, and NF-kB activation within the CF lung. For this study, both CF and non-CF mice were nebulized using various saline solutions containing or lacking the zinc and ATP co-agonists for 5 consecutive days for 30 minutes each day. Immediately following the last nebulization, bronchial-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected and analyzed for differences in leukocyte cell count and chemokine (KC/IL-8, RANTES) content. Leukocyte cell counts and RANTES amounts were negligible, low or undetectable in the BALF of all experimental groups. In the BALF of CF mice, KC/IL-8 was measurable in selected experimental groups that received saline vehicle alone. Zinc and ATP attenuated KC secretion markedly into these airways. Parallel in vivo studies revealed that zinc and ATP also attenuated NF-kB activation in airway epithelial cells. Future studies will examine the upper limits of zinc and ATP tolerability after nebulization and will define the cellular and therapeutic mechanisms of zinc and ATPs anti-inflammatory effects that may be beneficial in CF.
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Oral Presentation
Computational Economics Models using MAPLE Programming
Lauren Raymer Mentor :Roxanna Postolache Ph. D. Assistant Professor of Economics	Game theory analyzes the strategic interaction between firms (players) and predicts the strategies adopted by the players. The present paper focuses on the Cournot (a static game in which firms choose outputs) and Stackelberg (a sequential game, with one firm acting as a leader) oligopoly games, in which firms choose outputs, and uses Maple programming to solve for the equilibrium quantity and prices. The oligopoly results are subsequently compared with the competitive and the collusive outcome. The use of Maple programming enables the researcher to relax some of the initial assumptions, run simulations, and solve significantly more complex models. The current paper focuses on a program that can accommodate three or more firms, which can be time consuming and quite tedious with the use of the traditional pen and paper. The program solves for the equilibrium solutions by using the implicit form of the demand and cost functions. Simulations are run to determine the effect of a change in the elasticity of the demand curve, or the cost functions of the firms on the equilibrium outcome.
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Oral Presentation
A Method to Construct Random Mutants in a Halophilic Microbe
Elisabeth Heetland Mentor :Charles Daniels, PhD	Haloferax volcanii, a form of archaea, lives in hypersaline environments. This microbial organism has adapting mechanisms to survive in these conditions, some of which are understood. The rest are understood partially through recent advances. In this study, we combined the genetic tool of DNA transformations and the analysis of DNA sequences to design a method for constructing mutant strains of H. volcanii. The goal was to construct plasmids that could homologously recombine and result in gene inactivation by disruption. A 45,000 base pair section was chosen and analyzed for potential genes using programs Genemark and Glimmer and then queried at the protein databases at NCBI using BLASTP. Based on sequence similarities, this DNA was found to encode several potential genes. A cosmid carrying this region of the genome was used as the source of related DNA. Small DNA fragments from this cosmid were cloned into the H. volcanii suicide plasmid, puc-ura-aat II, and used to transform a uracil-requiring strain of H. volcanii. Several DNA fragments were cloned into the vector and their sequences were determined and then mapped. Future experiments will involve using this region to construct mutant strains and to extend the approach to other parts of the genome.
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Oral Presentation
The Natural Evolution of an Artificial Wetland
Ian Cheesman Mentor :Alan Stam, Associate Professor, Environmental Science Biological Sciences College of Arts & Sciences	Through effects on water quality and quantity, wetlands play an important role in the health of downstream ecosystems. The creation of artificial wetlands due to enacted legislation and/or educational purposes occurs throughout central Ohio. Understanding how these artificial wetlands evolve compared with natural wetlands may gain scientists a better understanding of this vital part of ecology. A new artificial wetland was observed over the two years following its creation. Through chemical and quantitative analysis of the water, examination of species richness, and other observational data, one can understand this evolution. The richness of species, both flora and fauna have increased over the two years, most noticeably in flowering plants. There is a direct relationship between the levels of dissolved oxygen and the amount of near-shore macrophytes submerged in the wetland. This is caused by the fluctuations in water depth as the wetland area increases and decreases (highest in the winter/spring, lowest in late summer/fall). Similarly, water pH varies with the time of year, with levels being lowest during the summer months. This presentation will explore these and other possible relationships between various measurements and observations during wetland development.
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Oral Presentation
Tax Incidence and Efficiency using MAPLE Programming
Elizabeth Fitzgerald Mentor :Roxanna Postolache Ph. D. Assistant Professor of Economics	Tax incidence is the analysis of the impact of taxes on the distribution of welfare within a society. When a tax is imposed, the price paid by buyers rises, and the price paid to sellers falls. The government will end up collecting a part of the former surpluses of both consumers and producers in the form of tax revenue. The tax will also reduce total trade, leading to the deadweight loss or excess burden of taxation. The excess burden and the chage in consumer and producer surplus will vary with the elasticity of demand and supply. The use of Maple programming enables the researcher to relax some of the initial assumptions, run simulations, and solve significantly more complex models The current paper focuses on a program that calculates the impact of a tax on consumer and producer surplus, the government gains form regulation, and the excess burden of taxation using the implicit form of the demand and supply curve. Furthermore, simulations are run to analyze the impact of a change in demand and/or supply elasticity on the surpluses, tax revenue, and the excess burden of taxation.
NCUR

Oral Presentation
Screenwriting: From Concept to Finished Script
Kat Sharp Andrew Balalovski Mentor :Matthew R. Myers, Adjunct Faculty Communication College of Arts & Sciences	Screenwriting is a craft that occasionally rises up to an art. We create whole different worlds and breathe life to new people. It's a method of using expression and creativity. We're going to show exactly what it takes to create a screenplay from its original concept in the mind to a rounded out finished project. You can either write alone, or collaborate with other people. There are many steps to create a screenplay. Developing the main character is a pivotal point. The development of plot, conflict, and character helps create a fulfilled story that really grabs the reader's attention.
2 PM Learning Center Room: 201

Oral Presentation
Effects of Thematic Play on Cognitive and Social Development of Preschoolers
Tristan Gargiulo Mentor :Sally Creasap, Assistant Professor Education School for Education, Professional Studies and Social Work	The purpose of this study was to examine the impact thematic units have on individual and group play activities as they relate to the social and cognitive development of preschoolers. Specifically, the following questions were addressed: Do the children carry the themes into their free-play activities, and if so, are their activities conducive to both social and cognitive development? How does the environment enhance or impair social development in preschoolers? How does the environment enhance or impair cognitive development in preschoolers? The study was conducted at a federally-funded preschool situated in an urban school district. Research was conducted through participant observation with anecdotal recordings serving as the primary data gathering instrument. Findings from the research suggest that the teachers role was vital with respect to the impact of how thematic play was further carried out by the children. Specifically, themes had little effect on the free-play activities of preschoolers unless they were introduced and maintained efficiently by the classroom teachers. Other factors that helped keep themes prominent within the classroom were teacher enthusiasm, variation in activities, and the inclusion of movement within the activities.
2 PM Learning Center Room: 07

Oral Presentation
The Power of Personal Transformation through Mediated Divorce
Paula L Russell Mentor :Janette E. McDonald, Assistant Professor Behavioral Sciences College of Arts & Sciences	Conflict is inevitable. Yet, conflict can be a beautiful opportunity for growth and change. Destructive conflict can bring about the loss of the things that are core to a meaningful life: family, friendships, health, financial security, and our self-respect. Current statistics tell us that many marriages fail. Divorce through mediation rather than the courtroom is not only financially beneficial, but also offers emotional and physical benefits. Too often we have heard unfortunate stories of couples splitting, families destroyed, huge sums of money spent on attorneys, and in the end a tremendous amount of bitterness and disdain between two people who once were in love. In a study of children of divorce, the most important factor in their psychological well being was found to be the attitude of the two parents toward the divorce and each other. It is reasonable to conclude that whether or not someone experiences personal transformation through conflict, they have most likely remained healthier individuals with relationships that are less damaged. Conflict can actually be an experience that will enhance our lives, teach us how to communicate better, listen more compassionately, and have fulfilling relationships.
2 PM Learning Center Room: 202

Oral Presentation
The Phenomenon of Female Partners in Law Firms
Ronda E. Dougherty Mentor :Michael Yosha, Academic Coordinator Liberal and Professional Studies College of Arts & Sciences	The Phenomenon of Female Partners in Law Firms Even though women are recently achieving equal enrollment in law school, I was intrigued to learn more about the advancements made by female attorneys in the last century. During my research, I was fascinated to learn that Margaret Brent, the first woman lawyer in America, arrived in the Colony of Maryland in 1638. She was involved in over 100 court cases during the next eight years winning every case. In addition to handing Governor Calverts legal affairs, she was a major landowner. Upon Calverts death, she was the executor of his will. However the new Governor, Thomas Green denied her formal request for a vote and voyce in 1648. American Bar Association data reveals 49% of the students entering law school in the fall of 2000 were women. , yet only 14.9% of partners in the nations 250 largest law firms are women. Of that percentage, just 11.9 % are equity partners with a share in the profits. Although there has been progress, since 1961 when women comprised just 4% of first year law students, why are the prospects for becoming a partner so much lower for women than men?
2 PM Learning Center Room: 103

Oral Presentation
Sonata de Estio: Aspects of Modernism and Aestheticism in contemporary Spanish literature
Scott Rowley Mentor :Maria Jose Delgado, Associate Professor Modern Languages College of Arts & Sciences	Sonata de Estio, written by Ramon del Valle-Inclan, is one of four novels telling the story of the life of the fictional character Javier de Bradomin. Within this work, we find many examples of the use of aesthetics in the Modernist literary movement. These applications of aesthetics and Modernism provide us with fascinating glimpses into the writing and the life of Valle-Inclan and into the history and situation of Spain in the late 1800's and early 1900's. My presentation will include the examination of many of these examples as well as a look at the insight into the past and the present that we can gain from the work of Valle-Inclan.
2 PM Learning Center Room: 102

Oral Presentation
Correlations Between the Environment and the Developing Neonate in the Neonatal Intensive
Rachel Harsh Mentor :Sharon Stout-Shaffer, Associate Professor; Director of Trad. Undergraduate Program NURS - Traditional Undergraduate Program School of Nursing	Correlations between the environment and the developing neonate in the neonatal intensive care unit have been under investigation for many years. A review of current research was conducted to determine implications for best nursing practice. A majority of research is focused on environmental conditions that are important to support adequate neonatal growth before discharge. Monitoring the temperature, noise level and the light level have been their main areas of study. Evidence suggests that nurses can promote neonatal growth and development if these three environmental factors are controlled carefully. Specifically, studies have shown that by having a low level of noise, a cycle of light, and adequate heating, the neonates can utilize their energy most efficiently.
2 PM Battelle Room: 231

Oral Presentation
Deaf in a Hearing World
Meghann Larry Mentor :Michele L. Winship, Assistant Professor Education College of Arts & Sciences	Culture can be defined as beliefs and practices in the everyday lives of a racial, religious, or social community. The Deaf community is perceived as a linguistic and cultural minority, in which their primary interest is preserving the language and culture of future generations; moreover, the Deaf community operates on the belief that their services should be created of, by, and for the Deaf. The central role of the Deaf community lies in the schools for the Deaf, state-funded residential schools that maintain supportive social, cultural, and academic environments, that address the needs of deaf students. The purpose of this study was to discover how deaf children function in a hearing world, by means of examining cultural and communal influences in the development of deaf children in the education system. Within my presentation, I will explore the Deaf culture and explain what it means to be both deaf, as it relates to hearing loss, and Deaf, in reference to the language and culture, within the hearing world; furthermore, I will identify how the central aspect of this culture, the schools for the Deaf, influence the development of deaf children and shape the Deaf community.
2 PM Learning Center Room: 104

Oral Presentation
Women and Peacemaking
Abigail Zink Mentor :Basil P. Kardaras, Associate Professor, Sociology/Criminology Behavioral Sciences College of Arts & Sciences	Women are often neglected in the area of peace studies. The objective of this paper is to acknowledge the important contributions that women are making in the quest for peace. This paper will focus on the contributions that Jody Williams and Betty Williams, both Nobel Laureates, have made in their quest for peace.
2 PM Learning Center Room: 06

Oral Presentation
Age, Characterization, and Distribution of Christmas Tree Worms on Parisio Reef
Stephanie E. Petitjean Amy Myers Mentor :Phil Whitford, Biological Sciences College of Arts & Sciences	Age, color, vertical vs. perpendicular attachment, response to fluid wave stimulus, coral species occupied, and distribution data were collected for Christmas Tree Worms, Spirobranchus giganteus, on Parisio Reef, Nationale Marine Parque, Cozumel Mexico, January 2-13, 2005. Our hypothesis was that Christmas Tree Worms would be distributed randomly on coral heads of all species if they had no distinct preference in species to settle and grow on. Populations were expected to be densest on large coral heads of the main fringing reef area. Age was judged by diameter of holes in coral heads, based on prior studies in Japan. Color, hole diameter, coral species occupied, and location were recorded for 111 Christmas Tree Worms. Ages ranged from 2 months to 26 years. Data were compared with Indian and Pacific Ocean studies determine whether coral species preferences existed in the population studied. Absence of Acropora palmata, a preferred species of Elkhorn coral in studies in Belize, (destroyed in a 1992 hurricane in Cozumel) may have required Christmas Tree Worms there to accept non-preferred species to grow on in our study area. Further research is anticipated to increase sample size and improve confidence in conclusions.
2:30 PM Learning Center Room: 202

Oral Presentation
The Impact and Longevity of the Emotional Intelligence Initiative on a Midwest University's MBA Program
Laura Butler Mentor :Sharon E. Croft, Associate Professor Communication College of Arts & Sciences	This report deals with the effect and the impact of the inclusion of emotional intelligence, also referred to as EQ or EI, in the population of an MBA program in a mid-west University. Respected researchers and psychologists have indicated that academic and vocational performance is enhanced by learning the EQ competencies. These competencies include self-awareness, motivation, empathy, self-regulation and social skills as the framework of personal competence. Emotional intelligence grew out of the research of Dr. Howard Gardner as referenced in his book, Multiple Intelligences, The Theory in Practice and was popularized in the early 1990s by Dr. Daniel Goleman in his book, Emotional Intelligence. By using a mixed methods research approach, the targeted population of the MBA program including students, student graduates of the program, faculty and administration, as well as graduate level research assistants who may or may not have been involved, will be interviewed and then asked to respond to survey questions. The results will provide insights into the effectiveness of including the EI competencies into the program.
2:30 PM Learning Center Room: 201

Oral Presentation
Elderly with Alzheimer's disease: A Population at Risk
Christine J. Stratton Marie Tornero Julia Perkins Mentor :Renda Ross, Associate Professor Social Work College of Arts & Sciences	Approximately 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimers, including half of the adult population over 85 years old (Alzheimers Disease Education and Referral, 2004). A description of Alzheimers and its prevalence will be used to introduce the topic. A strengths based approach will be used to examine Alzheimers, with specific focus on a local group of older adults diagnosed with this form of dementia. The authors will review the literature to identify biological, psychological, and cultural challenges faced on a daily basis. Additionally, the authors will address how this group enriches the larger community. The role of social work will be interfaced as a central theme using the NASW Code of Ethics (2005) as a framework for effective practice with this group.
2:30 PM Learning Center Room: 06

Oral Presentation
Jython: Java and Python Moving as One
Keith Taschner Mentor :Thomas K. Gearhart, Professor, CS/Math Math/Computer Science/Physics College of Arts & Sciences	Python is a dynamically typed language that provides programmers with the flexibility to design simple, effective code, and the built-in data structures and syntactic simplicity that allows the user to focus on the problem at hand. Java is a statically typed programming language that has superior libraries supporting virtually any application, is highly portable, and is preferred in many businesses. The bridge between these two distinct languages is Jython, a hybrid language that allows for the seamless integration of Java and Python code. A powerful tool for Java and Python programmers alike, Jython can shorten the development time of programs, increase the maintainability and readability of code, decrease the number of errors in a program, and allow programmers access to a broader set of tools leading to better algorithms.
2:30 PM Learning Center Room: 102

Oral Presentation
Student Achievement as a Result of Parent Involvement
Anna Yoccabel Mentor :Michele L. Winship, Assistant Professor Education College of Arts & Sciences	Inspired by researcher Diana Baumrind's model of parenting types, this research attempts to find a relationship between students' academic achievement and levels of parental involvement. The sample under study was two socio-economic and ethnically diverse classes of seventh graders from a surburban school on the northwest outer-loop of Columbus. Semester and quarter grades, observations, and student surveys compile the data. The data compares student academic achievement in the form of grades to parent-student communication, parent-student relationships, family structure, parental assistance with school and non-school activities, and frequency of parents reading to children. Final results concluded that high levels of parental involvement and support in each of these areas produced above-average academic achievement.
2:30 PM Learning Center Room: 104

Oral Presentation
The Benefits of Non-Nutritive Sucking in Premature Infants
Tiffany Ankrom Mentor :Sharon Stout-Shaffer, Associate Professor; Director of Trad. Undergraduate Program NURS - Traditional Undergraduate Program School of Nursing	: Sucking is a normal, healthy reflex in infants that is elicited in utero. There is nutritive sucking and non-nutritive sucking. Non-nutritive sucking is an organized series of bursts, separated by brief pauses. Non-nutritive sucking is an important indicator for the premature infants readiness to begin bottle/breast feeding. The ability to feed depends upon the coordinated sucking, swallowing, and breathing pattern. This is not normally present before 32 weeks gestation. The purpose of this project is to determine the benefits of non-nutritive sucking in the premature infant. Non-nutritive sucking has been found to significantly reduce hospital stay and promote optimal behavioral states. Current research evidence on the outcomes of non-nutritive sucking have been reviewed to determine best nursing practice.
2:30 PM Battele Room: 231

Oral Presentation
The Economy's Effect on African-American Women
Kalinda Frazier Mentor :Charlie Jones, Department Chair Political Science College of Arts & Sciences	The disenfranchisement of minorities, particularly black women, impacted by failing economic conditions has in the past forced them to become self-employed as a means of survival. My research focuses on black women and the reasons that they become entrepreneurs. This research study examines whether Black women became "survivalist entrepreneurs," that is, a person who starts a marginal business in response to a need to become self-employed, as an economic adoption strategy. This study will allow the researcher to test the theoretical position that members of destitute ethnic groups respond to labor market exclusion by becoming survivalist entrepreneurs. The researcher will replicate a study conducted by Robert L. Boyd, by relying on Census Bureau data from 1970 to 2000. This correlation will allow the researcher to test the hypothesis- that as the disadvantage of black women in the labor market increases so does their participation in marginal businesses.
2:30 PM Learning Center Room: 103

Oral Presentation
Unlocking the Gates: Exploring the Holocaust Through Art
Christy Lake Mentor s :Jacqueline Bussie, Assistant Professor Religion and Philosophy College of Arts & Sciences Michael McEwan	The Polish sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz once said, "Art does not solve problems but makes us aware of their existence. It opens our eyes to see and our brains to imagine." There are many pieces of artwork both visual and literary that have become gateways for both the memories and feelings towards the events that took place during the Holocaust of WWII. This artwork was done by adults and children alike and is on display at multiple museums and memorials dedicated to those lost during the Holocaust throughout the world. Much of this artwork comes from first-hand eyewitnesses, but even more is created by those like myself, who feel the need to respond to our learning about the events second-hand. As both an art student and a student in the "Response to the Holocaust" class, I have created my own composition depicting my reaction to the events of the Nazi genocide. I will be discussing the piece that I created as well as its links to the events themselves and the art created by survivors as well as victims.
2:30 PM Learning Center Room: 07

Oral Presentation
End of Imperialism?: American Imperialism and the Pursuit of Pancho Villa
Paul Bryson Mentor :Kay Slocum, Professor History College of Arts & Sciences	American imperialism and American military intervention have been at the center of the public discourse in recent years. This paper examines a short historical period in which the same issues were debated. In the political unrest in Mexico during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson and the effect that unrest had on American interests created an environment conducive to imperialist foreign policy. In 1916, a raid on the border town of Columbus, New Mexico ordered by Mexican revolutionary leader Francisco Villa initiated a small scale American invasion of Mexico in pursuit. Using articles from newspapers, magazines, and scholars who wrote about the 'Mexican Problem' as it developed, this paper seeks to determine whether the invasion of Mexico was part on an imperial program or a police action as part of cooperative foreign relations.
3 PM Learning Center Room: 103

Oral Presentation
Housing, Food and Healthcare: The Hardships of the Working Poor
Christina Massey Stacy Lauer Megan Marshall Mentor :Renda A. Ross, Assistant Professor Social Work School for Education, Professional Studies and Social WorK	If you had to choice between paying the rent or eating for a week, what would you choose? A major problem facing the United States today is the ever-growing population of the working poor. Though some people think this population is an invalid phenomenon, we must look at the actual facts. According to the Mid-Ohio Workers Association, over eighty-three percent of low income households in Columbus cannot afford to pay for rent, food and healthcare on the money they earn. This is not a matter of laziness. Simply having a job does not guarantee shelter, food and healthcare when the salary is inadequate. There are various agencies trying to help this groups economic situation, however, this is an ongoing struggle that is expanding. In our presentation we will be discussing in detail the actual problems surrounding the working poor and what policies are and are not affective.
3 PM Learning Center Room: 06

Oral Presentation
Applying Database Design to a Public Safety Database
Kevin Stanley Tony Miller Mentor :Thomas K. Gearhart, Professor, CS/Math Math/Computer Science/Physics College of Arts & Sciences	Database design is an important issue for every database. Our presentation discusses applying a database design to a new database for the Public Safety Department at Capital University. The current database system that Public Safety uses does not work well enough and does not store information that they want to be able to access I have designed a database that will allow more powerful queries with better variety. There are many design issues that need to be considered, including normalization, efficiency, and data integrity. We will highlight basic design techniques along with discussing an entity relationship diagram. Design creation is the first step in creating a new database, and implementation is the next phase. The first thing we had to do in implementing the database is be granted a connection so we would be able to manipulate the data. This connection in Java is referenced as an object of type java.sql.Connection. and is handed out by the DriverManager. We have to tell the DriveManager what type of driver to use to handle the connections to the database, and to give a connection to a particular database of that type.
3 PM Learning Center Room: 102

Oral Presentation
Theatre and the Holocaust
Terah Herman Mentor :Jacqueline Bussie, Assistant Professor Religion and Philosophy College of Arts & Sciences	Can the Holocaust be staged? Can the immense suffering really be captured by an actor? Can theatre do justice to such a tragedy? Should we even try? Many would argue no. Theatre, like all art, fails to do justice to the tragedies of our past such as the Holocaust. Despite the failure to fully portray and communicate the magnitude of the Holocaust, I want to argue that theatre is a vital tool in our resistance against evil. Theatre remains an appropriate response today to the Holocaust, because even within the walls of the concentration camps, theatre occurred. In this presentation, I will share the reality of the dramas staged in the camps, as well as argue for the unique contribution that theatre makes in remembering and responding to the Holocaust. I will discuss several dramas including Charlotte Delbos Who Will Carry the Word and C.P. Taylors Good. I will analyze how each drama responds to the Holocaust and the techniques the playwrights used in order to take on this challenge. Through these pieces I will show how theatre is a flawed yet vital and unique tool in resisting denial of the Holocaust and the banality of the evil that surrounds it.
3 PM Learning Center Room: 07

Oral Presentation
Experiential Learning through Field Studies in Costa Rica
Sarah Day Nicole Koster Mentor :Nancy Swails, Department Chair Biological Sciences College of Arts & Sciences	Our presentation will focus on our educational experiences during a 3 week stay in Costa Rica. Being submerged into a new country introduced us to a new culture, language, environment, climate, and cuisine. Most of our time was spent at Cur￺, a National Wildlife Refuge on the west coast. Nature hikes several hours in length exposed us to a variety of wildlife and vegetation. While at Cur￺, we focused on observing six captive spider monkeys. To evaluate the spider monkeys activities, behaviors, and time budgets, we collected scan and focal samples on the group. This provided us with first hand experience with field research and methods of collecting data. We were also able to work with the staff and their release program to release three of the spider monkeys into the wild.
3 PM Learning Center Room: 202

Oral Presentation
Jayson Blair: Fact or Fiction?
Jeremi L. White Mentor :Kelly J. Messinger, Assistant Professor / Chimes Advisor English College of Arts & Sciences	Affirmative action has been a debate for years. Some argue that minorities should climb the ladder of success based on works alone. Others believe that it takes creating opportunities for minorities, in an otherwise White dominated society, because minorities are underrepresented and are often overlooked for high profile/high paying jobs. In the case of the New York Times, one of the most prestigious newspapers to date, African American ex-journalist Jayson Blair forced the Times to look at its journalism ethic and take inventory of employee hiring policies after he fabricated several articles to make it to the top. Why did it take the Times so long to catch Blair? Some argue affirmative action was to blame, while others think it is because the Times is growing careless in its hiring and discipline policies.
3 PM Learning Center Room: 201

Oral Presentation
The Theory of Expectation in Haydn's Symphonies
Joshua L. Lanam Mentor :Tom K. Ryan, Administrative Assistant to the Dean Dean's Office Conservatory of Music	By critically evaluating Franz Joseph Haydn's Symphonies nos. 45, 94, 97, and 103, I will attempt to explain how the "Theory of Expectation" is applied, followed, and broken throughout Haydn's works. The Farewell Symphony, no. 45, breaks expectations through Haydn's stage directions for Prince Esterhazy's orchestra. From his London Symphonies, including nos. 94 and 97, he stylistically out-does any of his previous works. The surprise outbursts in the Andante movement of Symphony no. 94 along with the striking diminished seventh chords and the modulations to remote keys in the recapitulation of Symphony no. 97 challenge human perception and expectation. Symphony no. 103, known as the Drumroll Symphony, offers astonishing interruptions of the theme in the recapitulation by the Dies irae from the Allegro movement.
3 PM Learning Center Room: 104

Oral Presentation
Assessment and Management of Pain in the Neonate
Cait Beggs Mentor :Sharon Stout-Shaffer, Associate Professor; Director of Trad. Undergraduate Program NURS - Traditional Undergraduate Program School of Nursing	Assessment and management of neonatal pain is a critical aspect of nursing care. A review of research over the past 20 years was conducted to determine best practices outcomes. Six assessment tools such as the CRIES, PIPP, and NIPS are highly efficient in measuring neonatal pain. Success of pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and environmental treatment methods as well as the use of breast feeding and sucrose are discussed. NIDCAP, an evidence based practice protocol for management of infant pain is also discussed in relation to current practices and indications for further research. From this review best nursing practice is discussed in relation to current knowledge of neonatal infant pain.
3 PM Battelle Room: 231

Oral Presentation
Addison's Disease and Cushing's Disease
Katie Williams Mindy Hunnell Mentor :Kerry L. Cheesman, Professor Biological Sciences College of Arts & Sciences	Addisons Disease and Cushing's Disease are two extremely important endrocine diseases plaguing the world today. Exploring the causes, symptoms and possible treatments is one way to attack the diseases head-on and learn more about them. Addison's disease is an endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs in all age groups and afflicts men and women equally. Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone. The disease is also called adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism. Cushings disease is a problem arising in the pituitary gland caused by a tumor which overproduces a hormone called ACTH. This in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to overproduce the steroid hormone cortisol. Cushing's syndrome is rare and is more often found in women than in men. It can affect all age groups, but the peak incidence is in middle age. Researchers hope to someday win the battle against these diseases for good.
3:30 PM Learning Center Room: 202

Oral Presentation
A New Spiritual Politic
Nicholas Bates Mentor :Jan Tarlin, Assistant Professor Religion and Philosophy College of Arts & Sciences	While individuals in a postmodern world struggle to give the self; identity, purpose and mission in the world: our government is also attempting to give itself those same needs. Religion is what is often sought after to give meaning and purpose and a higher sense of value to an individual or organization. How can the sacred be used to help give the secular purpose and meaning in a secular mission and secular world. In this presentation, I hope to address the problems that our nation is currently facing and how people who see and understand the lack of worth in Americans have begun to exploit the most vulnerable fragments of the self by claiming Christianity to support governmental policies that benefit self interested and greed. I want to explore the role that a Christian's faith, ethics and morality should play in governmental policy. Finally I propose that secular government can remain secular and adopt sacred ideas such as the desire to understand "the other" and the importance of individualality and respect for all individuals.
3:30 PM Learning Center Room: 07

Oral Presentation
Engagement: The Stepping Stone to Professional Relationships with Appalachian Americans
Denise Kissel Mentor :Lisa Norgard, Social Work CLL- Cleveland	In northeast Ohio, as in other parts of the state, lives a portion of the 21,965 Ohioans with developmental living at home with parent caregivers over the age of 60, receiving no support from any social welfare systems, including and most importantly, from county boards of mental retardation and developmental disability. Parents die; their adult children with disabilities come out from under the woodwork for whom social welfare systems have not taken into account. They are immediate emergency clients that the counties do not know and for whom they have not planned; these clients have been invisible. County boards, as well as other entities serving this population, would like to plan for this transition prior to their death, and it becomes an emergency case. In some instances, the adult children are providing care to the elderly parent. Many of these aging parents in northeast Ohio are transplants from Appalachia to the industrialized cities during the depression and after World War II. Appalachian culture brings its own set of values, norms, and attitudes toward the outside world, particularly government-sponsored social welfare programs. How does a social worker, therefore, best engage this population and their adult children who are at risk?
3:30 PM Learning Center Room: 06

Oral Presentation
Controversy at Kansas State University
Krystin Brehm Mentor :Kelly J. Messinger, Assistant Professor / Chimes Advisor English College of Arts & Sciences	This presentation is a case study of Johnson v. Kansas State University. Johnson was fired from his position as adviser to the student newspaper the Kansas State Collegian in response to outrage from members of the student body over a lack of diversity coverage. The principle objective of the research was to examine, in detail, the events preceding the involvement of the court as well as the courts decision in order to gain a better understanding of the situation from both a legal perspective as well as that of the media. In researching this case, I first looked at relevant court precedent. I also examined various letters to the editor and editorials published in the university newspaper. Additionally, I studied the College Media Advisers code of ethics and standards for ethical behavior.
3:30 PM Learning Center Room: 201

Oral Presentation
Smoking: The Road to Lung Cancer
Danielle Manring Mentor :Ignatios Vakalis, Professor Math/Computer Science/Physics College of Arts & Sciences	Cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer that annually claims about 160,000 lives and incurs billions of dollars in medical costs. The lung resists smoke damage by several mechanisms, but will eventually succumb to repeated intense exposure. Oncologists use a measure of exposure called the pack-year that is equivalent to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. Twenty pack-years is a threshold beyond which lung cancer is likely to occur. My approach is based on this pack-year concept, using STELLAﾮ simulation software. The STELLA model provides visualization of model output through graphs and visualization of model inputs through icons that are linked into flow sheets. The software collects the patient's smoking history, analyzes it, and then forecasts the probability that the patient will have malignancies and when. The software also suggests appropriate smoking reduction measures. This product is especially useful for primary care physicians and oncologists as an educational and motivational tool to encourage smokers to avoid the deadly road.
3:30 PM Learning Center Room: 102

Oral Presentation
Bridging the Gap: A Comparative Analysis of Women's Political Behavior in Nigeria, South Africa, and the United States
Oweka O. Eguaroje Mentor :Cynthia D. Duncan, Instructor Political Science College of Arts & Sciences	Studies have demonstrated that despite significant social and political gains among women in the U.S. there is an obvious gender gap when observing the level of political involvement among men and women in the United States. Despite the significant rise in the status of women in developing countries, does a gender gap exist in other countries as well? This study compares the extent to which women in Nigeria and South Africa encounter the gender gap in the political realm to that experienced by African-American women. I hypothesize that despite the expansion of the role of women outside of the domestic arena in these countries, the legacy of colonialism which imposed socially constructed beliefs on the behaviors of men and women in society continues to limit the participation of women in the political arena. Public opinion survey data and content analysis of various pieces of literature, stemming from theories of feminism to historical references of womens political roles in each of these regions are examined for this study. In an effort to further the research on the variety of means women utilize to gain voice in political systems throughout the developed and developing world, this project is the first phase of an on-going project that will eventually result in a cross-cultural analysis of womens political behavior across each of these three countries.
3:30 PM Learning Center Room: 103

Oral Presentation
Yoga for Singers
Nicole Corris Mentor :Carol Lynn Roseberry, Professor Faculty Conservatory of Music	It is commonly known that the regular practice of yoga can improve many aspects of life, including increased physical, mental, and emotional health. What is not commonly considered is that many yogic practices can be highly beneficial to singers. My goal is to present some very basic yogic practices in an interactive workshop geared specifically toward singers in order to make them aware of some simple yet rewarding ways in which they can improve their art. To explain the relationship between common vocal problems and yogic solutions I will use Richard Millers book Solutions for Singers along side articles from Yoga Journal dealing with the benefits of practicing yoga. Miller has divided his book into ten chapters, each dealing with a different problem area of vocal study. I will use these chapter topics as a basis for my comparison. The chapters dealing with breathing, posture, resonance, healthy singing, and performance concerns, as well as issues brought up in his other chapters can be reinforced through yoga, as my presentation will demonstrate.
3:30 PM Learning Center Room: 104

Oral Presentation
Grassroots Mobilization, Agenda Setting, and the UNﾹs Millennium Development Initiative: An Education Policy Approach to Sustainable Community
Jonathan Michael Cross Mentor s :Suzanne M. Marilley, Associate Professor Political Science College of Arts & Sciences	What happens to a people, namely those characterized as developing, when their collective self-concept has been adversely impacted by erroneous perceptions, maladaptive social constructs and mechanisms designed to perpetuate their current station in the world? To answer this question, we have combined participant observation and historical documentation processes in order to operationalize our method (explanatory/descriptive), and to provide the reader with a greater sense of understanding. We paint a vivid picture of the multi-oriented nature of protracted ugliness or what 500+ years of spiritual, psychological and temporal chaos looks like. First, we offer historical precedents that illustrate the glaring irony of such a condition. Second, we analyze a few of the ways in which globalization has eroded the cultural memory of people viewed as developing to the point of quasi-extinction. Third, we shall pay special attention to a new and emerging vision for social, political, and economic justice in the world in general, and Sub-Saharan Africa in particular. By engaging in this work, we intend to lend whatever valuables we may have in our possession to the achievement of that illusive prize for which so many before us have labored9freedom.
3:30 PM Battelle Room: 231

Oral Presentation
Social Work: Putting People Back in Politics
Megan L. Gish Mentor :Pamela B. Ellwanger, Associate Professor, SEPS	Many people, both within and outside the profession of social work, do not recognize the professions role in politics and social policy as a legitimate one. In my presentation I plan to: examine some stereotypes of social workers, outline possible roles for social workers in the political arena and examine the fit between social work ethics and values and politics. By doing this I plan to examine the relationship between economic power and political power, incorporate my experience at my internship at the National Association of Social Workers, Ohio Chapter, and outline roles that social workers are currently taking on in the political arena. I also plan to suggest intervention techniques for social workers experiencing problems that are linked to the political arena. Key Topics: Social work code of ethics, social work roles, political advocacy, voter apathy, human rights, social services
4 PM Learning Center Room: 06

Oral Presentation
Christianity and Sex Outside of Marriage
Angel Neubauer Mentor :Jan Tarlin, Assistant Professor Religion and Philosophy College of Arts & Sciences	We have so little experience talking about the gray areas regarding sexual behavior that we are ill prepared to respond ethically. (McClintock 86) Through the entwining of personal narrative and historical church perspectives, this paper uses Christian ethics to address many questions. Is sex ever ethical outside of marriage? What makes sex good and right? Are the churchs attitudes and teachings on sexuality just? We must acknowledge that the issue is far from black and white and learn to deal ethically with the gray.
4 PM Learning Center Room: 07

Oral Presentation
The Price is Right: Price Discrimination in Higher Education
Ann Reed Mentor :Stephen A. Baker, Professor SOM - Faculty School of Management	It is widely known that colleges offer different prices for different students by employing aid packages. This study explores the standards colleges use in order to distribute financial aid to students. Using regression analysis, the study examines why students receive different financial awards and on what attributes those awards are based.
4 PM Learning Center Room: 103

Oral Presentation
Two-Compartment, Pharmacokinetic Modeling Using DCE-MRI
Richard V. Jacko Mentor s :Ingatios Vakalis, Associate Professor, CS/Math Math/Computer Science/Physics College of Arts & Sciences Michael Knopp, M.D.,Ph.D.	Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important diagnostic tool in medicine, especially for imaging tumors. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) uses the injection of a contrast agent, such as Gd-DTPA, to improve image contrast and produce a graph of signal enhancement versus time. The signal-time data can be fitted with a curve using a two-compartment model, with a central compartment of blood plasma, and a peripheral compartment of tumor extra cellular space. Pharmacokinetic parameters (amplitude, exchange rate constant, and elimination rate) of the model can be used to analyze contrast enhancement characteristics. Intra-tumor heterogeneity of contrast enhancement is important in monitoring therapy and predicting outcomes. A technique of subdividing the tumor into concentric layers, and applying the two-compartment model to each layer, may be useful in assessing intra-tumor heterogeneity. Results of a pilot study of this technique, called "onion-peeling", will be discussed.
4 PM Learning Center Room: 102

Oral Presentation
Gaining Their Rights: Equality for Muslim Women in the Middle East
Pamela J. Power Mentor :Janette E. McDonald, Assistant Professor Behavioral Sciences College of Arts & Sciences	The rights of Muslim women in the Middle East have undergone changes over the years, often drastically. This study will investigate the impact education has on Muslim womens rights and the effect, if any, that Islamic Fundamentalism has had on womens ability to obtain an education. This study will also examine whether, with the proper education, women can use the Quran as the basis for demanding equal rights within Islam. It will also examine the validity of the researchers view that using the Quran to argue for Muslim womens rights is the most efficient and effective approach to induce change.
4 PM Learning Center Room: 201

Oral Presentation
The Prevention of the Spread of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the Development of Nosocomial Infections.
Leah Punzalan Mentor :Deborah Janssen, Adjunct NURS - Traditional Undergraduate Program School of Nursing	Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become an increasing problem over the years, leading to higher morbidity and morality rates. MRSA is a term used for organisms that are resistant to antibiotics such as Methicillin, which has been previously used in the treatment of staphylococci infections. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of preventative measures to reduce the rate of developing infections due to MRSA in the hospital setting. A review of the current literature has shown that infection control measures that include an increase in hand hygiene compliance, the controlled use of antibiotics, disinfecting the patient environment and equipment, and identifying patients or staff of possible colonization through surveillance cultures has significantly decreased the rate of nosocomial infections.
4 PM Learning Center Room: 104

Oral Presentation
Macropractice Social Work through Local Capacity Building
Trish Frazzini Mentor s :Pamela B. Ellwanger, Associate Professor Social Work College of Arts & Sciences	The Wyandot County Family and Children First Council (FCFC) recently integrated the Partnerships for Success (PfS) process into its planning infrastructure. PfS, an initiative of the Ohio Family & Children First Cabinet Council and a project of the Center for Learning Excellence, through the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy at The Ohio State University, is a strategic approach to building a communitys capacity to prevent and respond effectively to child and adolescent problem behaviors while promoting ositive youth development. Based upon a thorough review of collected data and responses obtained from community leaders and focus groups, The Wyandot County PfS Needs Assessment Workgroup ranked three target impact areas: 1. Decrease Teen Substance Abuse; 2.Decrease Delinquency; 3. Increase Teen Mental Health and Well-being. The workgroup studied factors, trends and projections around the three target areas. Evidence-based practices will be explored to successfully reverse these trends by reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors, while increasing youth assets. Through maximizing public-private partnerships, FCFC works to enhance the continuum of services, align resources, and provide essential, effective, efficient, and cost-effective outcomes for families and children.
4 PM Battelle Hall Room: 231

Oral Presentation
Multiple System Atrophy
Jenn Cameron Mentor :Kerry L. Cheesman, Professor Biological Sciences College of Arts & Sciences	Multi-System Atrophies are a group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders that early on can mimic, or be mistaken for, Parkinson's disease or other neurological conditions such as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy . This is also why this disease is also known as Parkinsons plus. This disease accounts for approximately 20% of all cases of Parkinsonism. Since this is not diagnosed until after all medications fail, the majority of individuals diagnosed with MSA do not currently have a good prognosis with the survival rate typically being seven years from the time of diagnosis of the disease. This presentation is to distinguish between Parkinsons and Parkinsons plus disorders. This is also to educate people so they understand that there is a difference between the two diseases.
4pm Learning Center Room: 202