Abstract:

Obligate army-ant followers should evolve behavioral strategies that help them choose army-ant swarms that offer the highest payoff in foraging success. Each day, individual birds must choose which Eciton burchellii antswarm they will attend across those they track within their home range. Because species differ in ecological and behavioral factors including body size, morphology, home range size, and dominance interactions, we hypothesized that different species would have different strategies for choosing a foraging patch, in this case an army ant swarm. We collected data in lowland rainforest in Manu National Park, Madre de Diós, Peru, over 19 months from 1998-2007. All local E. burchellii colonies were tracked and followed daily, and birds were individually color-banded and observed daily. We measured army-ant swarm characters after observations of birds at each local swarm. A priori models were developed using parameters related to army ant swarm, temporal, and bird characteristics. We used AICc to rank models and assess their relative plausibility, and model averaging to assess the importance of parameters on the presence of a bird at an antswarm. Parameter estimates were then translated into odds ratios with 90% confidence intervals. Although antswarm choice strategies differed between the four bird species, the end result of any individual's choice may put it at the same antswarm as individuals from species with different choice strategies. Most, and particularly nomadic, E. burchelli antswarms were apt to have attendants from each of the species examined here. Differences in antswarm choice strategies may not be significant on a daily basis, but may be important during ecological bottleneck events.

Abstract:

The advent of remote-sensing technologies (e.g., LiDAR) has been vital to understanding the Earth’s landscape. The Alaskan transportation sector, for example, relies on these technologies to develop models to better understand landscape stability in Alaska (i.e., Miandad et al., 2020). These desktop models, however, require ground truthing to confirm their accuracy. Based on a model developed by Miandad et al. (2020) that combines LiDAR and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to identify slope instabilities we focused on one of their “landslide susceptible” polygons located south of Glennallen, AK. Two cores were preferentially taken from tilted black spruce (Picea mariana) trees (n=57) with “a” cores taken on the down-tilted side to maximize reaction-wood data and “b” cores taken perpendicularly. Samples were prepared for microscopic analyses and were digitized and evaluated with Cybis.se programs resulting in a master chronology from 1911 to 2021 (correlation=0.505). Reaction-wood data during the last 100 years (1921-2021) averaged 12.7% of recorded widths with a maximum of 38% (2016) and a minimum of 0%. Assuming reaction wood represents slope instability, the first instability event recorded was 1934-1942 (mean 20.6%). The second major instability event recorded in the last century started in 2009 and continues with increasing reaction-wood counts (24% to 32%) to 2022 (100% as all trees were tilted). The model defines “landslide susceptible” regions as places where landslides have not occurred, but are predicted to; therefore, we suggest the designation of this study site as “susceptible” is perhaps inexact. Likely, the model’s use of LiDAR (2011 flight) and NDVI is not sensitive enough to detect a coeval instability event, which caused approximately 25% of trees in the polygon to tilt and initiate reaction-wood growth. As a result, areas deemed “landslide susceptible” should be monitored more closely than the model may imply to protect associated infrastructure.

Abstract:

Delay discounting is an impulsive choice task that involves deciding between receiving a smaller immediate reward and a larger reward after some delay. Greater levels of impulsive choice are associated with a host of maladaptive behaviors and mental health issues—from smoking and addiction to ADHD and schizophrenia. The relationship between impulsive choice and eating disorders is not as straightforward—while individuals with binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa have been shown to be more impulsive, there are disparities in research regarding associations between anorexia nervosa and discounting. The current study investigated the effect of episodic future thinking (EFT) on delay discounting in individuals with one of three eating disorders—bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. We found interesting differences between male and female participants and the relative impact of EFT on individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder. Implications of these findings could contribute to research investigating the underlying mechanisms of eating disorders and the development of effective treatments.

Abstract:

Mental illness representation is a vital issue in literature, both reflecting current societal norms and influencing contemporary social opinions. Does the portrayal of mental health vary in different social groups -- specifically based on gender, race, and the intersectionality of the two?

The traditional way to analyze literature is via close reading, carefully reading a limited number of novels and analyzing the smaller details of the writing. However, a new practice called distance reading has arisen with new technological advances. Through distance reading, one can analyze a large number of pieces of literature, utilizing data science techniques to numerically analyze the text, create visualizations, and essentially view the myriad writings from a broader perspective, allowing the discovery of overarching patterns.

Using 41 YA fiction novels published after 2000 that revolve around a mentally ill protagonist, I explored the portrayal of mental health -- the diction, sentiment, and topics -- and whether any patterns arise when comparing the novels based on positionality, looking at both the positionality of the authors and the protagonists. From this exploration, I analyzed the current state of mental health portrayal in literature and the broader implication for mental health representation, especially for minoritized communities.

Abstract:

Writing this book was a long, beautiful, and wrenching process that I can’t wait to share with the SLU community. My senior project Blood and Roots is a fantasy novel, full of invented people and made-up places. But to quote Dr. Paul Graham, “Fiction is often more rooted in reality than nonfiction.” While a large part of it was inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien, George R. R. Martin, and Brandon Sanderson my four-year journey as a healthcare worker at SLU and in the Canton community was equally integral to the final product.

Blood and Roots started as a ten-page short story in English 364 – J.R.R. Tolkien: Lord of Fantasy. In March of 2022, I decided to expand that short story for an English Department Honors SYE. After the project was approved, I wrote ten pages a week for the next five months before engaging with numerous partial and full length edits. The fifth and final draft is due April 14th and will be well over 200 pages long. The story follows a young man named Kairo who navigates the worlds of healthcare, duty, community, family, and romance in an archaic fantasy city filled with secrets.

Of all the fantasy masters, Tolkien is the most important to my project. Many characters across Tolkien’s work spoke to me, as did the vastness and detail of Middle-earth. It is much more than just a few books. One of my goals for Blood and Roots was to replicate this feeling to the greatest extent possible. Obviously, creating a world comparable to Tolkien’s life work in a year was impossible. But I mimicked it by creating a world with open-ended history, mythology, plants, animals, and memorable people.

Vivid details are just as important as the big picture. It is the little things that bring a single scene or moment to life, and my work as an Emergency Medical Technician and DoH COVID-19 Vaccinator gave me a lot of material to work with. Most details regarding medical care and the emotional aftermath of a difficult or graphic experience with a patient are non-fiction.

Blood and Roots was chiefly inspired by my love of fantasy literature and my life as an EMT. It is part academic pursuit, part catharsis and self-exploration. While the book is deeply personal, it is also filled with universal themes and literary devices. The book grapples with issues like mentorship, responsibility, PTSD, and rural healthcare using tools like worldbuilding, intimate characterization, abstract descriptions, and fast-paced action.

My proposed presentation Blood and Roots: Born in Middle-earth and the Healthcare Industry combines literature and real-world experience like no other. I look forward to sharing a synopsis of the book, my process, what the book means to me, and what I learned through the process of writing it.

Abstract:

This paper investigates the factors that affect judicial decision making in environmental law cases. Existing research points to four main models to explain judicial decision-making: the legal, attitudinal, strategic, and social background. I take a mixed methods approach. I examined 139 Federal Intermediate Circuit Appellate Court cases in this study between 1971 and 2023 to quantitatively assess judicial voting behavior. Additionally, I conducted interviews with 7 environmental professionals for the qualitative aspect of this paper to better understand the profession, as well as the challenges, motivations, and goals within their field. My results indicate that judge ideology, cost of compliance and judge ideology, ripeness, and number of national parks in a judge’s state of birth are significant variables to consider when investigating factors that may influence judge vote. As part of my wider research, environmental attorneys frequently work with experts in the environment field as well as policy makers, where they often serve as the ‘problem solvers,’ who interpret the law, write the law, or make the law through the cases they handle. Together, judges and environmental lawyers shape environmental laws and policies. Thus, understanding how various factors may play a role in their decisions is crucial.

Abstract:

From the times of Spanish colonialism to present day, racism and colorism in the Dominican Republic have taken on various forms. The island of Hispaniola, named by Columbus to honor Spain, is shared by the two former colonies of France and Spain: Haiti and the Dominican Republic. At key points in these countries' shared history, there have been tensions over race, elite power, color, territory, culture, and nationality that have ultimately been influenced by their respective colonial histories. The Spanish idea that whiteness was akin to purity and superiority has plagued the perspectives of many Dominicans to view their Haitian counterparts as a disease just for being from a country whose African ancestry is much more prominent. The purpose of this project is to examine whether there is continuity or change over time regarding the strong racial influence of Spanish culture in the Dominican Republic, and if so in what areas in the culture. The denial of African ancestry in the country is infamously known despite the country sharing an oppressive past with Haiti, and yet these two countries define themselves as two different entities. I focus on three specific time periods to see the stronghold of Spanish influence on Dominican culture: the foundational colonial era, the anti-Haitian and violent Trujillo era, and the growing embrace of Black identities in the modern era. This paper examines the struggle to comprehend and define what it means to be Dominican with generations full of anti-black and anti-Haitian ideologies through historical documents. The shifting perspectives on Black identities among some Dominican-Americans is illustrated through personal interviews, as well. The shift of perspectives is overdue since colonial time, but it is better late than never.

Abstract:

Food insecurity is a prevailing global issue in the horn of Africa. Accessing food impacts human and ecological health and peace/security of individuals in the region. Aided by Geospatial analysis, this paper addresses how structural power and public goods influence the infrastructure of food systems and crisis within teff-based food systems in Ethiopia. US, EU, Chinese, and Russian firms secure power through credit, food and military aid, and public goods provision. Foreign powers steer food system infrastructure, however, local markets maintain power of production. Thus, Ethiopian market intervention has allowed some mobility for smallholder teff farmers. Foreign intervention has ruptured security: for instance, small holders who have lost out in food production move into apparel manufacturing controlled by foreign firms. This solidifies labor immobility among Ethiopians. With food insecurity and subsequent need for cheap food, foreign firms needing cheap labor, and states have collaborated to provide global aid. This process attempts to justify the role of foreign actors. Yet, demands for equality within this market-based food system result in economic crisis and state failure, signifying reproduction of foreign power over Ethiopia. Despite public goods provision, food systems failure creates multiple crises within Ethiopia.

Geospatial analysis of teff-producing land and conflict is representative of motivational crisis resultant of food security failure. By analyzing the spatial intersection of teff production, concentration of roads and rail, and conflicts, we can understand if fertile teff land and transportation infrastructure are determining conflict areas. Economic crisis, stemming from coupling of state and firm, and legitimation crisis from cultural food disruptions also occur. Food sovereignty ideals; strengthening local market infrastructure, price controls, and ensuring domestic consumption is satisfied before global trade must be encouraged by the US in order to prevent crises.

Abstract:

Melanoma is the main cause of skin cancer death, most often due to metastasis of the cancer to other parts of the body. Lidocaine, a commonly used local anesthetic, has recently been shown to slow growth of human melanoma cell lines and also reduce angiogenesis and metastasis in other cancer cell lines. B16 murine melanoma cells were used to investigate whether lidocaine will decrease cell proliferation, increase cell apoptosis, and decrease cell migration. CFSE staining showed decreased proliferation of B16 cells treated with lidocaine. Crystal violet staining as well as Annexin V/Propidium Iodide demonstrated decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis of B16 cells treated with various lidocaine concentrations. B16 cell migration was shown to be decreased in a scratch wound assay when treated with lidocaine. By combining the data from both survival and migration assays, the effect of lidocaine on B16 cells has been characterized demonstrating that a commonly used drug could have broader therapeutic effects in melanoma patients.

Abstract:

Heterobinuclear unit light absorbers consisting of chemically dissimilar transition metals can serve as light absorbers for nanoscale artificial photosystems. TiOCo and ZrOCo units on silica nanoparticles were coupled with 2,2’-bipyridine (bipy) as a luminescent electron acceptor, with TiOCo observed as a negative control. The synthesis steps were confirmed using FT-IR and the geometries of the heterobinuclear unit-bipy diads were modeled using DFT. The particles were pressed into pellets and then placed into a home-built 3D printed gas cell. Time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) and time-resolved emission spectroscopy (TRES) data were collected under argon and oxygen atmospheres to measure the relaxation of the excited state. The quenching of emission in the presence of oxygen supports that the long-lived excited state of the ZrOCo-bipy system is due to a change in spin state.

Abstract:

As our reliance on autonomous vehicles increases, security vulnerabilities and software defects threaten the successful completion of tasks and missions. An attacker could remotely compromise the control software running on the computer. Additionally, any software faults or hardware defects that are present can cause the computer to malfunction. To prevent mission failure, it is desirable to provide trusted and resilient operation in the face of defects and attacks.

In this talk, I will present a new platform for small autonomous vehicles that supports resilient and trustworthy operation with seamless recovery from primary control software failure. This platform utilizes a redundant, secondary, controller that can take over when the primary controller fails. We build on previous work that automatically repairs the control software to remove the bug or vulnerability. Our key contribution is the ability to seamlessly restart the primary control software post repair while the vehicle is in motion by transplanting sensor data between onboard computers. Our approach allows for successful initialization while in motion, reduces initialization time by 40%, and is robust to variances in sensor readings.

Abstract:

Hand prosthetics have made remarkable progress, but affordable options often lack mechanical and sensational functionality akin to a human hand. To address this limitation, we utilize 3D printing to create a customizable prosthetic hand that can be tailored to the user’s individual needs and preferences. We also incorporate Arduino components, which enable motorized mechanical functions for a wider range of movement, while also providing sensation capabilities such as temperature and pressure feedback. Building upon other prosthetic designs, we prioritized the use of low-cost materials to ensure that the final design remains affordable, with a target cost of around $800.

Abstract:

This honors project is a collection of short stories and micro-fictions that focuses on women’s lives in the Adirondack Park Region between the years 1860 and 1930. Adirondack historical short fiction as a genre has largely lacked in female representation until recently, and this project is my contribution to the rise in female-centered narratives within that. Each story in this collection is based on real women or events which I recovered through archival research, then strove to properly represent with verisimilitude in my writing and revision process. It is my first attempt at revolutionizing the way we see the world by inserting women into a narrative that they were previously excluded from and giving them a place in literature that they rightfully deserve. Thus, I see this work as a feminist recovery project. For this presentation I will be reading one to two of my short stories and giving a brief summary of my research and writing experience.

Abstract:

The following essay discusses the importance of the female gaze in the film, Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019). The film, directed by Céline Sciamma, offers an incredible example of the importance of the female gaze when it comes to representing women in cinema, and in the case of this essay, in Francophone cinema. The discourse in the dissertation will follow a analytical approach and will discuss the necessity of the female gaze when it comes to portraying women and how the alternative (the male gaze) can present a harmful perspective and can promote false ideologies and false realities when it comes to representing a group of which the creator is not a part himself. With this, Portrait of a Lady on Fire reframes the very biases and socially-constructed understandings of what a woman’s body means to the world and how we can challenge the internalized male-gaze as we have come to know it. Sciamma uses her work as a platform to challenge society’s conceptions of women and how they should use their bodies, how they should act or behave, and how they should present themselves in public. She works with the deep entanglement of identity and belonging in a society that does not tolerate difference or change, and while reiterating her arguments, consistently puts the viewer in a position of question, forcing them to rethink our developed conceptions of a woman, and her sexualization. The psychoanalysis in film provides the starting point from which this paper is derived, and hopes to answer the question of how Sciamma challenges appearance, society, and sexualization with the presence of the female gaze.

Abstract:

In modern society, sex, and those infections and diseases associated with it, namely HIV and AIDS, have come to hold moral significance that allows societies to designate levels of morality to specific populations. However, the most recent turn of events, those of which began with the AIDS movement that took place in the United States, has begged for more support, both financially and socially, for those who have been stigmatized in societal history. Still, oppression and neglect occur for specific populations that have systemically and historically been undermined by governments across centuries. In this analysis, it is made clear how the presence and spread of HIV/AIDS has been weaponized against certain populations to maintain control and obedience. Not only has it caused physical distress for those affected, it has also significantly reduced their abilities to uphold themselves as honorable members of society as HIV/AIDS has come to represent not only physical disabilities but also questionable morality. Those populations most affected by this are those that identify as people of color, as queer, and as incarcerated/previously-incarcerated persons. In an effort to transform the stigmatization surrounding HIV/AIDS, solutions will be presented to eradicate such perceptions through transformative curriculum and a redesign of health policy that demands nondiscrimination on the basis of health status. The supported conclusion will be that HIV/AIDS has been used as a biopolitical weapon against populations deemed undesirable in society, namely those that are of color, queer, and/or incarcerated. The weaponization of HIV/AIDS was not violent but more so neglectful in that hegemonic governments noted the natural demise taking place and chose to pursue ignorance rather than a solution, which then made the destruction of these populations appear like a natural occurrence, worsening their already stigmatized positions in society. Thus, HIV/AIDS is a weapon of neglect used by powerful governments to annihilate populations subject to stigmatization that threatens the European, patriarchal, and heteronormative ideal of all societies.

Abstract:

In this project I will analyze the media strategies posed by several marketing and communications scholars and apply those strategies to the media content I create for Grasse River Heritage. By using these findings to inform my work with this organization, I aim to show how developed, modern marketing strategy can complement traditional nonprofit practices, like grant writing, to yield real, beneficial results (boost engagement, drive donations, recruit volunteers, etc.) In this project I am creating three videos that Grasse River Heritage will post on their social media channels, and one video will be kept on their website. In addition to creating these pieces of content, I also conducted a competitive analysis of the organization to identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. My findings will inform my strategy in creating the most effective pieces of content possible.

Abstract:

This study involved the analysis of beer data from various sources, including homebrew recipes and commercial beers. First a logistic regression model was developed to predict if a homebrew recipe was a Black India Pale Ale (IPA) even if not explicitly named as such. An R Shiny Web App was created to interface with Google Trends API to track the popularity of different IPA styles (e.g. Hazy IPA vs Black IPA). Additionally, this app shows a prototype for a beer recommendation system using machine learning techniques. This research sheds light on the potential of data analysis and machine learning in the beer industry, and may have implications for future product development and marketing strategies.

Abstract:

Virginia Woolf’s renowned 1925 novel Mrs. Dalloway portrays Clarissa, a white, upper-class housewife facing psychological turmoil. Opposingly, Zadie Smith’s 2012 novel NW focuses on Keisha, a black woman who has worked to climb the social ladder to become a wealthy lawyer. With nearly a century between the novels’ publications, it appears that social progress has triumphed over the dated plight of the Victorian woman trapped in the home. However, Smith demonstrates how the ‘Working Woman’ ideal parallels the same plight found in Mrs. Dalloway – prescribed social roles that attempt to control women. Clarissa and Keisha both aspire towards societal ideals that require self-silencing and repression, leading to crumbling senses of identity. This points to a consistent societal plight despite the seeming abundance of progress and differing positionalities.

The authors do not point to specific psychological diagnoses. Rather, the characters’ inner repressive mechanisms are shown without ever being diagnosed. This writing method is a purposeful stylistic choice. By refusing to explicitly address the social plights being portrayed in the novels, the authors force readers to consider the hidden causes that lie underneath; they show that individual psychologies cannot be taken at face value and that silence and repressive mechanisms caused by social pressures are key contributors to individual emotional states.

Abstract:

Alaska’s interior transportation corridors are susceptible to landslide events and are often burdened by excessive repair costs and prolonged repair time. The state requires a new model that can project long-term landscape stability given the constraints of a limited landslide inventory. Miandad et al. (2020) developed a remote sensing model using LiDAR and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to identify stable slopes, landslide susceptible slopes, and landslide slopes across Alaska with tests at four study sites. We ground-truthed an identified landslide area between the Trans-Alaskan pipeline and the Richardson Highway south of Glennallen, AK; the area is characterized topographically by a steep slope and several areas of exposed ground cover. We sampled 29 black spruce (Picea mariana) that were preferentially tilted by obtaining core samples (n=58), which were taken from each tree—one from the tree’s direction of tilt and the other perpendicular to the first. Samples were dot-counted and statistically verified using a digitized measuring system that generated a master chronology of individual growth years spanning from 1821-2021 (correlation, 0.63). With a focus on the tree-tilt cores (n=29) and data prior to 1921 excluded from analysis due to a small sample size, the mean value of recorded reaction wood is 16.2% for the 100 years (1921-2021) with a maximum of 47.6% in 1938 and a minimum of 3.4% in 2014. Exceptionally, 1930-1946 saw the largest increase in reaction wood with an average of 31.2%, which likely indicates slope instability. A 5.9% average increase, above background, in reaction wood from 2003 to 2007 potentially implies a recent slope instability. By extension, a site event must have occurred in 2021-2022, for all trees were tilted (mean=11.8°) across a disturbed slope revealing tensional cracks, mud slurries, and extensionally split trees. Given the LiDAR data was collected in 2011, it is unclear whether the model picked up on background instability or peak instability from 1930-1946 or 2003-2007 and from what factors of slope, curvature, roughness or NDVI determined this area as a landslide. Incorporating yearly rates of NDVI and LiDAR model parameters, when available, into the model could give greater insight into future stability based on the fluctuation of data values.

Abstract:

Bivalves are important ecosystem engineers in freshwater communities, but there has been a dramatic decline in freshwater bivalves throughout North America making them one of the most endangered organisms in the United States. Their close relationship to the environment makes these semi-infaunal filter-feeders good proxies for changes in their habitat. One common freshwater bivalve in the northeastern US is the unionid Elliptio complanata. Here, we use this taxon to examine the impact of anthropogenic activities on these vulnerable organisms. We hypothesis that stressors such as agricultural runoff and fine sediment input as well as other sources of contamination associated with shoreline development should negatively impact the bivalve communities in these areas resulting in overall smaller body size and slower growth.

Samples were collected from lakes in northern New York and the Adirondacks Park that have various degrees of exposure to environmental stressors. For every locality, ten individuals were selected and thin sections from the umbo to the posterior-ventral margin were cut capturing the complete live history of the individual. Growth rings were measured and von Bertalanffy growth curves were calculated. The degree of anthropogenic influence on a sampling location was quantified using ArcGIS raster analysis of land use surrounding the sampling area.

Preliminary data shows that bivalves from Black Lake, a relatively developed lake, reach an average maximum shell size of 55.4mm. The more pristine environments of Horse Shoe Lake and Mountain View Lake is home to larger individuals with an average maximum size of 61.2mm and 75.3mm respectively. Valves from Black Lake and Horse Shoe Lake reach 36% of their maximum shell growth in the first year of their ontogeny. The samples from Mountain View Lake grow slower reaching 23% of their maximum shell growth during the same growth interval. In later stages of shell development, growth slows down notably more in Black Lake and Horse Shoe Lake than in Mountain View Lake.

These preliminary results suggest that the bivalves from lakes which have greater anthropogenic pressures are smaller in maximum shell size and grow slower in the later stages of ontogeny than the bivalves which live in an environment further away from anthropogenic influences.

Abstract:

Critical to Kenya’s environment and culture is Mount Kenya. The second-tallest mountain in Africa, and tallest in Kenya, Mount Kenya is symbolic of independence from colonialism and the home of Kikuyu God Ngai. The Kikuyu culture saw Mount Kenya as the center to their religion and the paramount figure in their spiritual lives. Born in Nyeri, Kenya, a rural community just outside of Mount Kenya National Park, Wangari Maathai grew up facing Mount Kenya daily and collecting water from its glaciers, reliant on mountain for both survival and religious protection. An ancient and inactive volcano, Mount Kenya played a crucial role in fostering Maathai’s interest in environmental protection. Because of its natural beauty and significance to Kenya’s history, Mount Kenya National Park became a recognized UNESCO Heritage Site in 1997.

Twenty years prior to Mount Kenya National Park becoming an UNESCO, Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement. Beginning as a local grassroots organization to empower rural communities, the Green Belt Movement financially incentivized change within the environment. Acknowledging the connection between environmental degradation throughout Kenya, the seemingly never-ending cycle of poverty, and President Daniel arap Moi’s authoritarian ruling that perpetuated the patriarchy while simultaneously dividing ethnic groups, Maathai developed the idea of community-based tree planting as a movement of change.

Almost twelve years after the founding of the Green Belt Movement in 1977, Wangari Maathai entered Kenya’s political realm through her activism against the polices of President Moi. Branching away from the original local grassroots efforts of the Green Belt Movement, Maathai became a spokeswoman for democracy and the people of Kenya.

In 2001, President Moi published an excision plan, which included of 10% of Kenya’s remaining forest, including a majority of Mount Kenya National Park. The excision plan attempted to remove Mount Kenya’s forest and parts of National Park for private settlements. Not only did this plan destroy thousands of acres and ecosystems, but it created serious complications for surrounding communities. While this was not the first time President Moi had attempted to grab land to maintain support from foreign donors, destroying Mount Kenya posed a serious threat. President Moi justified the decision to destroy Mount Kenya’s forest based off of the oppressive colonial government’s tactics. Not protecting the remaining land and natural resources in Kenya threatened the entire nation’s livelihood.

Beginning with the foundation of the Green Belt Movement, Maathai ultimately became a figure of ecofeminism, a public opposer of President Moi, and an internationally celebrated symbol of environmental, political, and social change. Her legacy can still be seen today through the environmental efforts at Mount Kenya National Park as well as throughout Nairobi.

Abstract:

Many unhealthy behaviors have been associated with impulsive choice in humans, including drug, alcohol, and gambling addictions, risky sexual behavior, and risky motor vehicle safety. Exercise has been used to help curb addictive behaviors in the past and has been associated in correlational studies with decreased impulsive choice in human participants. High-fat diets have been demonstrated in past correlational and causal experiments to increase impulsive choice. The present study analyzed the impact that high-fat diet, exercise, and their interaction had on impulsive choice in rats. Two high-fat groups were fed Crisco, and two control groups were fed rat chow. One high-fat group and one control group were exercised on motorized wheels for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week. The results of this experiment are currently pending. Results consistent with the hypothesis could lead to exercise and dietary alterations being used as an intervention for unhealthy behaviors related to impulsive choice.

Abstract:

Previous studies have shown that planktonic crustacean produce photoprotective compounds, such as red and yellow carotenoids, to increase survivorship against ultraviolet radiation (UVR). However, these pigments also make them more vulnerable to fish predators, which causes a pigmentation trade-off to occur in many aquatic habitats. In acidic Adirondack bogs, fish are not present, and copepods display bright pigmentation year-round. During the summer months when UVR is most intense in this temperate region, copepods shift from a red-yellow color to a darker blue, but the reason for this seasonal color shift remains unclear. This study aims to investigate whether the peak UVR intensity in the summer is driving the accumulation/production of these blue pigments. The copepod species (Aglaodiaptomus leptopus) was collected and exposed to high UVR (UVB-rich) and low UVR (darkness and visible light) treatments. Changes in pigmentation were quantified after using the L*a*b* color scale in Photoshop, and color values were compared before and after the light treatments. The results showed that after just seven days, copepods in the darkness and visible light treatments became more luminous (L*) and had decreased red pigmentation (a*), indicating a loss of photoprotective pigments. Copepods in the UVB-rich group remained less luminous (L*) and retained red (a*) and yellow (b*) carotenoid pigments, indicating that carotenoid pigments are needed for protection from UV light wavelengths. However, they did not accumulate/produce blue pigments, as indicated by positive b* values. This study supports previous findings that red and yellow carotenoid pigments are important for photoprotection in copepods under UVR stress. Further research exploring the relationship between UVR, and diet or longer exposure periods may be needed to determine the cause of blue pigmentation.

Abstract:

A rail gun is a device that launches a projectile through the use of electromagnetic force.

One of the main focuses of my research was mathematically modeling the behavior of a rail gun, so an optimally efficient system could be designed. The parameters of the mathematical model were evaluated to assess which ones needed to be altered in order to maximize the final momentum of the projectile. I verified the accuracy of these equations through a series of experiments using a prototype rail gun to establish if the theoretical model exhibited the same behavior as the physical prototype model. Results are presented with both a power supply-based rail gun and a capacitor-based rail gun.

Abstract:

In analytical studies, fluorescent detectors have shown to be useful for determining the concentrations of analytes, both in controlled lab samples as well as in the environment. For these reasons, researchers have developed fluorescent compounds to be quenched by harmful and toxic compounds such as trinitrotoluene (TNT), which can then be used to determine TNT concentration. While compounds such as amino-carbon dots have already been developed that can be used to detect TNT, modifications have been performed on these compounds to make the detection of TNT selective as well, as TNT has many analogs which can also quench fluorescent compounds, making signal differentiation challenging. Amino-carbon dots have been established to be sufficient fluorescent compounds for TNT detection and concentration determination. In recent studies, these compounds have been modified for selective TNT detection with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), which are polymers that are synthesized around a template molecule and can selectively adsorb various compounds. For our investigation, we have replicated the synthesis of MIP-modified amino-carbon dots via a hydrothermal method and have developed the MIP using trinitrophenol (TNP) as a template molecule. Preliminary data has demonstrated the efficacy of this method for selective TNT detection and further investigations will explore various experimental modifications to improve the detection method, which include using alternative carbon sources such as petroleum coke for the carbon dot synthesis, as well as varying the heating time for the carbon dot synthesis. The results reported in this investigation will broaden the scope of our understanding of selective fluorescent detection devices, and future research may focus on developing better methods for selective fluorescence detection via MIP-modified carbon dots.

Abstract:

Researchers have taken special interest in entangled particles and their ability to demonstrate non-local behaviors. Current investigations to explore the applicability of entangled photons have demonstrated that photons in an entangled state can be used to analyze biological materials such as DNA and brain tissue samples, which suggests the potential to develop novel medical diagnostic techniques in the future. Shi et. al were able to differentiate between various types of brain tissue by determining the degree of entanglement of a pair of photons using quantum state tomography. Using an entanglement witness rather than quantum state tomography offers the potential for mimicking these results using fewer measurements. In this investigation, an apparatus for measuring an entanglement witness was constructed. The apparatus was tested using a random, uncorrelated light source in the form of an LED to vary the degree of entanglement of the photons being measured. Our measurements agreed with results reported by M.N. Beck & M. Beck and demonstrated that the apparatus was functioning as expected. These results lay the groundwork for utilizing an entanglement witness to determine the degree of entanglement of pairs of photons in fewer measurements than quantum tomography, which has the potential to be an effective technique for differentiating between healthy and unhealthy tissues for medical diagnostics.

Abstract:

Neutrinos are one of the most abundant fundamental particles. There are three types of neutrino: the electron neutrino, the muon neutrino, and the tau neutrino. There are three different “mass states” (m1 , m2, m3 ) that a neutrino can be found in. Physicists are unsure which mass state is the heaviest and which is the lightest, which is the basis of the mass ordering problem. The “normal ordering” theory says that m1 is the lightest and the “inverted ordering” says that m3 is the lightest. To find the answer to this question, physicists use a chi-square test to see which mass ordering theory the experimental results agree best with. The goal of my work was to examine how effectively a chi-square test can determine the correct mass ordering. I made estimations of what experimental data would look like if the normal ordering theory was true and compared them to theoretical distributions for the normal and inverted ordering. I measured the effectiveness of the chi-square by seeing how significantly the chi-square test indicated that the inverted ordering was the “incorrect” theory. Results showed that the resulting chi-square value for the inverted ordering theory had a p-value that was not significant enough to reject the inverted ordering as a plausible theory. Therefore, a similar method should be used with other mathematical tests to determine other ways to reach statistical significance with the same amount of data.

Abstract:

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation and abuse that causes the recipient to doubt their own thoughts, based on messages received from the gaslighter. As gaslighting can be present in romantic relationships, past studies have focused on the relationship between gaslighting and factors such as power dynamics and personality correlates. It is clear based on previous literature, gaslighting is fairly common across college-aged populations and negatively impacts recipients (Graves & Samp, 2021; Miano et al., 2021). However, there is a dearth of research examining gaslighting and recipient mental health and well-being. The goal of the current study is to build upon prior research by examining the effects of gaslighting on college students' romantic relationships and outcomes (i.e., decreased self-esteem, and well-being).

The current sample was majority female (N = 38, n = 24), 63.2%, white (n = 35, 92.1%), heterosexual (n = 35, 92.1%), between 18-19 years old (65.8%), and first-year students (n = 22, 57.9%). Participants who had never been in a romantic relationship were excluded from the sample. Those that had been in a relationship reported their most recent relationship to be characterized as a dating relationship (63.2%), with a current SLU student (44.7%), to have lasted 0-6 months (65.8%), and to still be together (52.6%). To examine the impact of gaslighting on self-esteem and well-being, two linear regressions were conducted while controlling for relationship satisfaction, dating violence, race, gender, and sexual orientation. Results indicate that gaslighting did not have a significant impact on feelings of self-esteem, R2 = .20, F(1, 31) = 1.32, p = .079. However, gaslighting did significantly negatively predict overall feelings of well-being, R2 = .171, F(1, 31) = 2.22, p = .044.

The results demonstrate how gaslighting does not significantly affect students’ self-esteem but does impact their well-being. Although data are preliminary, it is possible that students’ self-esteem is not directly tied to their romantic relationships. However, it appears that students' overall well-being, such as feelings of restfulness, cheerfulness, and daily interest, are being significantly affected by gaslighting within their romantic relationships. These findings suggest that an effective way to combat the negative impacts of gaslighting is to focus on helping increase an individual's overall feelings of wellness.

Abstract:

As a student, I have a deep love for history. This passion for ancient history isn’t something I often have the chance to pursue at SLU, and antiquity certainly isn’t surrounding the North Country in the same way it might be in Europe. Being in such an ancient place was perfect for me in that sense, everything around me had such a deep history. My travel Enrichment Grant gave me the opportunity to travel from Spain, where my program was based, to Athens and Crete. This opportunity was something I will always be grateful for, it was enriching in every sense of the word. I had the chance to see ancient buildings, eat traditional foods, and see all the sights I could’ve hoped for.

My travel was first to Crete, spending two nights on the historic island. My grant covered my entrance into the Palace of Knossos, one of the oldest standing ruins in the world. It was truly remarkable to see; the fact that it was still standing in such a condition and with such vibrant colors. This ancient minoan structure is the home for many interesting ancient myths, like that of the minotaur which I learned about in a class upon return. We also got to explore the Rocca a Mare Fortress that stands in the port of Heraklion. The town was also incredible to see and walk around, it was so interesting to see what sort of things were sold and talked about After Crete, we traveled by boat to Athens for the remainder of the weekend. Athens held similar beauty and interests. I got to explore the Acropolis, which was a lifelong dream of mine. This section of the experience was the most meaningful for me; I was truly in my element as a communications major. I found myself surrounded by ancient history in regards to rhetoric and the study of communication. Touring the Acropolis, I found myself staring out at the ancient Theatre of Dionysus. It was not only massive but really made you think about all the ancient people who must’ve stepped on that stage. Athens is also widely considered the birthplace of rhetoric, largely thanks to Aristotle and thinkers like him. I visited his school, the Lyceum, where he discussed rhetoric and philosophy as arts. Many of my classes at SLU start with a section on Greece and Aristotle, so seeing this in person was almost like visiting the setting of a fantasy book; it seemed unreal or almost untouchable.

As a student, I unfortunately won’t have time to add a history minor during my time at SLU but being in Athens made me regret that. I did have the opportunity to take Greek and Roman Mythology upon my arrival back to campus, and have been enjoying the opportunity to take Greek and Roman Mythology upon my arrival back to campus, and have been enjoying the opportunity to relive my experience in a way. My time abroad was undoubtedly enriched by this opportunity and I really can’t say thank you enough to the donors who allowed me to explore all of these niche academic interests in such a hands-on way.

Abstract:

In this project, I constructed an R package based upon the statistical procedures in Prof. Schuckers Computational Methods for Biometrics Authentication, Springer (2010). We created a package containing functions for False Match Rate and False Non-Match Rate, 37 in total, with 12 datasets documented and used to demonstrate use. This project discusses how to create an R package with properly named functions, detailed documentation, and examples using data.

Abstract:

A high quality programming environment (often an Integrated development environment or IDE) can be vital to enhancing developer productivity. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a popular, open-source text editor maintained by Microsoft [2]. VS Code delivers language-specific features through freely downloadable, community-built extensions on an online marketplace. Many of these extensions allow developers to take advantage of editing features such as syntax highlighting, code-autocompletion, or debugging support. The snail language (Strings Numbers Arrays and Inheritance Language) is a simple, object-oriented programming language meant to be implemented in a one-semester undergraduate course [1]. I present my experience in developing a VS Code extension to provide language support for the snail language. The extension implements support for syntax highlighting, rudimentary auto-completion, and dynamic error-checking diagnostics using VS Code’s Language Server Protocol (LSP) [3]. First, I give an overview of the contents of a VS Code extension. Next, I walk through how a VS Code extension runs, particularly highlighting the functions of VS Code’s Language Server Protocol. I will also discuss how this extension can be further developed to make use of VS Code's Debug Adapter Protocol to implement a debugger that supports breakpoints, start and stop behavior, and variable inspection [4]. Then, I discuss good software development practices including version control and documentation. Finally, I investigate the process of publishing a VS Code extension on the public extension marketplace.

References

[1] Kevin Angstadt. 2022. Strings Numbers Arrays and Inheritance Language (snail). Retrieved from https://snail-language.github.io/

[2] Microsoft. 2022. Visual Studio Code. Retrieved from https://code.visualstudio.com/

[3] Microsoft. 2022. Official page for Language Server Protocol. Retrieved from https://microsoft.github.io/language-server-protocol/

[4] Microsoft. 2022. Official page for Debug Adapter Protocol. Retrieved from https://microsoft.github.io/debug-adapter-protocol/

Abstract:

In this study, using a survey of Ukrainian refugees, we assess the impact of language ability on employment, and intentions to return to Ukraine. We allow for differentials by host countries (e.g. Spain, Poland, Czech Republic) and by languages known (e.g. English, the language of the host country, and other languages).

Abstract:

Previous scholarship on transfer programs focus on single program, or group of programs, and analyse their impact on social outcomes. Thus, less is known about large scale government transfer programs and their impact on the labor supply, especially in the developing world. This research addresses the gap in the existing literature and assesses the relationship between government transfer programs and labor force participation in African and other low-income countries. Using data from the World Bank World Development Indicators Database, I construct a fixed effects model to estimate the impact of transfer payments on labor force participation in a cross-country panel from 2001 to 2021. I find little evidence for a relationship between labor force participation and transfers. This suggests that, among low-income countries, there is no decrease in labor force participation due to subsidies and transfers.

Abstract:

Xenopus laevis, the African Clawed Frog, is an important model organism for studying the roles of hormones as drivers of vertebrate development. In Xenopus, the concentrations of thyroid hormone and glucocorticoids in the blood peak during metamorphosis, as tadpole larvae complete their development to become juveniles. Similar increases in the levels of thyroid hormone and glucocorticoids occur at birth in humans. One of the late developmental events in both Xenopus and humans is the growth and maturation of the lungs. In humans, glucocorticoids have been shown to accelerate lung development and to regulate the expression of lung surfactant proteins. In fact, glucocorticoids have been administered to enhance human fetal lung maturation. However, the molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoids acting in the lung are not well understood and the role of glucocorticoids in Xenopus lung development has not been well characterized. In this study, we obtained the mRNA sequences from the lungs of pre-metamorphic and metamorphic Xenopus laevis and constructed transcriptomes using three methods. First, we mapped the transcript sequences to the Xenopus laevis genome using STARAligner. Second, we used Trinity to create de novo assemblies of transcriptomes. Lastly, we used the mapping from STARAligner to guide Trinity in the de novo assembly of transcriptomes. Gene expression was estimated for each transcriptome as transcripts per million (TPM). Genes that were differentially expressed between pre-metamorphic and metamorphic lungs were identified using edgeR. Differentially expressed genes were then evaluated to determine if they were known to be regulated by glucocorticoids. In this way we hope to generate a list of candidate glucocorticoid response genes that may be integral to lung development in Xenopus laevis. A better molecular understanding of Xenopus lung development and the hormones at play may translate to a more complete understanding of fetal lung development in humans.

Abstract:

Our research is contributing to the goal of reintroducing the Pygmy Short-horned Lizard (Phyrnosoma douglassi) into the indigenous territory of the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation, Canada. The pygmy short-horned lizard is a species of horned lizard that occurred in south-central British Columbia in Canada, and is still found in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and northern California in the United States. The last verified record of P. douglasii in Canada is from 1957, and in 2021 the species was declared extirpated in Canada. P. douglasii symbolizes a lost connection with the land since colonialism. The project will be a collaboration led by the Osoyoos Indian Band and the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Center and the framework of “walking on two legs” will guide the research to advance the interconnected processes of Indigenous-led restoration and reconciliation (Dickson-Hoyle et al., 2022). “Walking on two legs seeks to bring Indigenous knowledge into balance with western scientific knowledge in service of upholding an Indigenous stewardship ethic that is embedded in Indigenous ways of relating to land and embodies principles of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility” (Dickson-Hoyle et al., 2022). The ecological and social success required to reintroduce P. douglasii is likely 10 to 20+ years and has both scientific and significant socio-political and economic challenges to address. Nk’mip has the facilities, educational expertise, strong federal history of success with species research, available habitat, plus transboundary nation partners for success (source populations will likely come from the Coville Tribal lands and conservation wildlife area’s in WA). P. douglasii is a small (5-8 grams) species that inhabits open plains with sparse vegetation. They eat insects, such as ants and beetles. P. douglasii are non-territorial and livebearing, and have high fecundity. This particular horned lizard species is highly charismatic and their ecological and land needs, captive rearing requirements, and strong educational value all increase the likelihood of project success. In addition, there is a highly successful ecological and social reintroduction of horned lizards at the San Antonio Zoo to learn from. We are currently conducting a comprehensive literature review and preparing a feasibility and strategic meeting with stakeholders. Data gaps that require research in the coming years will explore captive reproduction and wild insurance populations, and overwintering habitat suitability which are critical before wild reintroduction is feasible.

Abstract:

Eurydactylodes vieillardi (Chameleon Gecko) is a small species of non-territorial gecko endemic to the forests and shrublands of New Caledonia that use their tongues to collect scent. Scent recognition of conspecifics is reported in lizards, but has not been examined in same-sex pairs or non-territorial lizards. We tested the ability of geckos to recognize familiar individuals where combative territoriality and mating potential are not the need for recognition. We also compared their recognition of opposite sex individuals with their recognition of familiar and unfamiliar same-sex individuals. We used four treatments (control, self scent, familiar scent, and unfamiliar scent) to measure the behavior by counting and categorizing tongue flicks and active time as a proxy of interest. We hypothesized that geckos would show more interest in scent from unfamiliar geckos, and the greatest interest in scent from unfamiliar individuals of the opposite sex.

Abstract:

The issue of microplastic in the environment is an emerging problem that has gained a lot of attention recently. Overtime, UV and mechanical degradation causes the macroplastic breakdown into the smaller microplastic pieces. We find microplastics everywhere in soil, freshwater systems, and marine habitats, as well as in many organisms from plants to humans. Atmospheric transport of microplastic distribution results in deposition of these pollutants in remote and sparsely inhabited areas. We hypothesize that even in rural and less densely populated areas like northern New York and the Adirondacks Mountains microplastics will be present in freshwater mussels like Elliptio complanata. These filter feeding organisms are susceptible to retaining not only fine sediment in their gills and digestive tracks, but also microplastics.

We sampled ten individuals from ten localities in northern New York and the Adirondack Park. The samples were weighed and frozen. The soft body was extracted from the shell and digested in Fenton’s reagent. After the soft body degradation was complete, the microplastic pieces were isolated with a 63µm filter and dyed with a combination of nile red, evans blue, and calcofluor-white. Microplastics were examined, identified, and counted in Neubauer cells. Preliminary results of the digestion process have shown that microplastics can be detected in softbodies of the freshwater mussel Elliptio complanata. This confirms our hypothesis that the deposition of air-borne microplastics has introduced these pollutants into the freshwater ecosystems of the Adirondacks Mountains. Next steps will include further sample digestion and quantification of these plastics.

Abstract:

Anti-reflective (AR) coatings and structures are a key part of many optical systems, as they allow for increased transmission efficiency and reduce unwanted back-reflection. AR coatings in particular find widespread use in benchtop optical setups, solar panels, eyeglasses, and many more applications. However, the theory behind coatings depends on the interference of light, meaning they often function best at specific incidence angles and wavelengths. This leads to difficulties when light transmission needs to be maximized over a broad wavelength spectrum or wide angular range. AR nanostructures, which operate on the theory of smoothly changing the effective refractive index at the interface, do not suffer these issues to the same extent, and are therefore preferable in such scenarios. This project uses the GD-Calc MATLAB package to computationally simulate the design of such nanostructures. We optimize the structures for 1550 nm light and normal incidence and explore the effects that structure shape and incidence angle have on reflectance. Baseline parameters are determined from previous work in the literature, and several common structure shapes and design approximations are investigated. We find that, of the configurations explored, pyramidal shapes perform the best, yielding the lowest reflectance over the widest range of angles.

Abstract:

Terrestrial and semi-terrestrial turtles are the reptiles most commonly studied using conservation detection dogs. Most handlers are consultants that are not tasked with publishing methodologies, though networks exist to share information among handlers. Here we share insights from surveying wood turtles and box turtles in Rhode Island using a Labrador retriever. The dog searched within 25 m of each bank along 1 km stretches of river. Eight transects were throughout the state and searched one to three times each. The dog alerted to at least 13 of 21 observed wood turtles and 8 of 9 box turtles before they were seen by people (n = 2) and contributed to the detection of the remaining turtles. Methods to optimize future canine searches include handlers conducting dogless scouting walks along the transects, avoiding areas that will not be productive to search (e.g. non-habitat and areas where the dog must swim), and freedom to include open areas adjacent to the transect where scent might move freely. Gear for the dog should include chest and paw protection. We encourage the development of protection for ear tips, the dorsal surface of the muzzle, and against ticks. We recommend generating dog-specific protocols and schedules

Abstract:

Zoonotic diseases have negative impacts on human and animal health. Lyme disease is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases in the United States, and human cases continue to increase. The Lyme bacterium, borrelia burgdorferi, has coevolved with many mammals, and when a blacklegged tick, ixodus scapularis, feeds on these animals, they then become a vector for Lyme disease. Due to the complex ecology surrounding blacklegged ticks and Lyme transmission, research is needed to understand this process and mitigate disease transmission, specifically to humans. My study looked at the correlation between blacklegged tick abundance and small mammal abundance in two different forest plots in the north country. This research was done to gather more data on tick abundance so that informed Lyme forecasting can be done, and information can be disseminated to the public. Flagging for ticks and non-invasive track tubes that collect small mammal pawprints were used for this study.

Abstract:

Within Germany, remembering World War II and the victims of the Holocaust is an act which defines their population. The specific emphasis that Germany’s formal education system, through institutions like schools and universities, and informal education, through institutions like museums and memorials, places on understanding and presenting this history illustrates its importance and impact. However, Germany’s violences during colonization, in places such as Namibia, and towards other victims of the Holocaust, like the Roma and Sinti, are often disregarded. Schools and museums do not present these histories fully, leading to a disparity within the German population: while they are well-informed about the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, their awareness about Germany’s role during colonization and other Holocaust victims is minimal. By visiting various museums in Berlin and Frankfurt, my research uncovered the specific ways through which these asymmetrical histories are presented. The Jewish are consistently humanized and depicted as dynamic while non-Jewish victims and German colonization receive little to no recognition, minimizing ideas about Germany’s responsibility for these violences. Furthermore, by holding a focus group with German university students in Freiburg, it became clear that this mindset is also reinforced within schools. Because of this, ideologies of capitalism and white supremacy are emphasized in Germany, allowing for present-day violences against people of color as a result of these systems to continue unquestioned.

Abstract:

The “lady detective” genre of the 1890s in Victorian Britain arose out of a need for the middle class to grapple with both the increasing press coverage of violent crime and changing gender expectations. This project analyzes how authors of the lady detective genre envisioned different scenarios for working women, from reluctant wives who became detectives to support their families to the enthusiastic “New Woman” who took joy in working as a professional detective. These fictional lady detectives used “feminine” tactics to solve crimes, allowing them to remain within Victorian gender conventions while also carving out a space for more female agency. The authors of these early lady detective stories created a subgenre that would be fundamental for authors in the 20th century, like the beloved Agatha Christie.

Abstract:

Addressing the moral quandry of genetic mofifications and genetic enhancements in fetuses, I will use a Kantian, Rawlsian, and utilitarian moral framework to introduce this issue. The four main biomedical principles: beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy will be analyzed through medical ethicists perspectives' and applied to case studies introducing different types of genetic enhancements. Not only will this address the moral permissiblity of gentic modifications on fetuses and discuss where this line should be drawn, it will also question the ableist attidues of society and deliberate on the social construction of disabiltiy.

Abstract:

Patients are typically diagnosed with a major mental illness during their intake session, or first interaction, with a mental health professional. Diagnoses are critically important and can play a key role in predicting functional outcomes. Despite their necessity and usefulness, the primary reaction to being diagnosed is often reported by patients as feeling overwhelmed. Furthermore, disparities often arise in the real-world diagnostic process, which can add to the distressful feelings around diagnosis. In our study, we asked college-aged participants to answer questions about this process with respect to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Nightmare Disorder (ND) and Schizophrenia (SCH). We investigated the effects of diagnostic labels, specifically the terms “chronic” and “episodic” on both hopefulness and hopelessness levels in participants with GAD, MDD, ND, and SCH. Our findings may help to inform clinicians about the impact that these first interactions and common labeling devices (e.g., “chronic”) can have on patient expectancies for recovery, chronicity, or severity in their outcomes.

Abstract:

Before current methods of medicine, the source of medicines was found in nature; plants, herbs, soil, and even honey. Previous studies have shown that honey has the ability to produce antibiotics to fight off infection. Current studies are now trying to pinpoint what exactly in raw honey allows it to fight bacterial infections. Paenibacillus is the genus that has thus far captured the most attention. Prior research has suggested species of Paenibacillus, namely P. polymyxa, produce peptides (e.g. polymyxin) and polyketide antibiotics that are able to inhibit a wide range of bacteria. I worked with two isolates, Paenibacillus alvei isolated from raw honey, and Paenibacillus massiliensis isolated from soil on the St. Lawrence campus. The phenotype of these isolates was tested using a variety of biochemical tests including presence of enzyme activity (amylase, lipase, casease, gelatinase, catalase, oxidase etc.), and Gram staining. After confirming the species identity using 16SrRNA sequencing, the two strains were tested for their ability to inhibit different Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria strains using a well diffusion assay.

Abstract:

Proflavine, a mutagenic acridine dye which is a common candidate for chemotherapeutic agents’ studies has been of great interest to many researchers due to its wide range of applications in industrial, therapeutic, and chemical sectors. This research focuses on synthesizing proflavine derivatives and other acridine derivatives with the aim of studying their intercalation properties as a basis for DNA-drug interaction of cancerous cells. Proflavine derivatives were successfully synthesized through acylation reaction with proflavine as the starting material. The challenge from this reaction was that the synthesized compounds are barely soluble in water, which is a challenge when testing them with DNA. This research also ventured into synthesis of acridine derivatives from simple compounds such as o-iodobenzoic acid, aniline etc. to widen the number of compounds for intercalation studies. The reactions mechanisms involved were Ullmann condensation reactions, cyclodehydration of carbonyl-containing compounds, and chlorination of the acridone. I used polyphosophoric acid for cyclodehydration, and thionyl chloride for chlorination. For future reactions, I will use phosphorous oxychloride which does both cyclodehydration and chlorination in the same step. I successfully synthesized 9-chloroacridine and several acridones with different functional groups coming off the acridine core.

Abstract:

Opioid compounds, such as morphine, are used as painkillers for after surgery and chronic pain, although these opioids can be very addictive. Scientist have manipulated the structure of morphine forming new pain relievers but have yet to find a non-addictive molecule. The goal of this project is to develop a more efficient Wagner-Jauregg reaction, which may be used to form a less addictive and equally effective analogue of morphine. After much trial and error, new reactants and solvents that speed up the Wagner-Jauregg reaction was discovered. Additionally, new approaches to forming a morphine analogue have been discussed for future work.

Abstract:

The human prefrontal cortex is known to be involved in a host of so called “executive” functions that include memory, attention, decision making, planning, and social behavior. Dysfunction of this brain region is associated with clinical impairments such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar mood disorder, and schizophrenia. It may be that the wide range of impairments attributed to prefrontal cortex damage are derived from a more general disruption in temporal processing. This study utilized a rodent lesion paradigm to assess the role of the prefrontal cortex in time perception. Animals were also assessed on a battery of standard rodent behavioral tasks. Ten male Wistar rats were anesthetized and transcranially injected with the excitotoxin ibotenic acid (n=5) or saline (n=5) at stereotaxic coordinates intended to damage the medial prefrontal cortex (AP – 3.0; ML ±0.9; DV – 3.6 from bregma). Time perception was evaluated with an operant chamber temporal discrimination task. In this task, animals were first taught to discriminate between short (2s) and long (8s) anchor cues. Following discrimination learning, responses to intermediate time cues that fell between 2s and 8s were assessed. Data from these trials provided measures of timing accuracy and precision at the individual and group level. In addition, the motor, social behavior, and spatial cognition function of the rats were assessed using the rotarod treadmill, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze tasks, respectively. Multi-level, non-linear regression analyses of the temporal discrimination task indicated animals with prefrontal cortex lesions perceive time slightly differently to control animals. The lesion group also displayed an impairment trend on the water maze task that did not reach statistical significance. No such trends were evident on either the rotarod or three chamber task. Discussion of our results will include connecting them to previous work in both rats and humans, pointing out limitations and unfinished analyses of the current study, and proposing future directions aimed at understanding the function of the prefrontal cortex in behavior.

Abstract:

Chaotic motion is the irregular, seemingly unpredictable behavior of systems over time. The main focus of my research is chaotic motion in energy conserving, frictionless systems; specifically the Sinai billiard. I explored the characteristics of chaotic motion through a simulation built in Python as well as the billiard’s corresponding graphical representation which involved the particle’s boundary interactions.

Abstract:

Previous research has shown that artmaking to distract can be a valuable way to reduce the arousal of negative mood, especially in children ages 6-12. The present study sought to use this information to determine two things. Researchers wanted to see whether the type of artmaking being engaged in, as well as the specific mood being induced, had any effect on the magnitude of mood improvement. For this, the artmaking conditions were drawing versus coloring, and the negative mood was anger. Participants for this study were randomly assigned into one of the two drawing conditions and were prompted to recall an angry memory to induce the arousal of their mood. Before engaging in their activity for five minutes, they were asked to give a mood rating from one to five, and the same thing was asked directly following. It was hypothesized that coloring would reduce mood significantly better than drawing as it pertains to the emotional state of anger. While analyses revealed that engaging in the activities significantly reduced anger from time one to time two, researchers found no significant difference between artmaking conditions. This poster will explore reasons for significant and non-significant effects.

Keywords: anger, artmaking to reduce mood arousal, negative mood, drawing, coloring

Abstract:

Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is renowned for being a hub of music and culture. During my fall semester abroad in 2022, I was fortunate to receive the Gudrun Brokoph German Studies Experiential Learning Fund award, which allowed me to experience Vienna's classical music and historic venues. I visited the Musikverein, where I attended a concert performed by the Wiener Mozart Orchestra, and visited museums that used to be the homes of famous composers like Mozart and Beethoven. In this poster, I will share my exploration of Vienna's rich musical history.

Abstract:

Acknowledging competencies in early childhood development has been overlooked by scholars and child developmental theorists, thus, discounting the importance of attending to uncover the true capabilities of children during childhood. Using the capabilities approach in formulating human development principles and focusing on recognizing structural features that impact capabilities; I argue that a normative standard for representing childhood is flawed and incomplete, thus, inadequate to capture children’s capabilities and set the foundations for childhood care and education for two main reasons. Firstly, by relying on certain aspects of human development, we undermine what is epistemically beneficial in attending to the perspectives of children. Secondly, in focusing on what children lack, we fail to recognize children’s capabilities and overlook opportunities to promote their flourishing. When children are seen, heard, and recognized for their capabilities, they are given the opportunity to be authentic in presenting their perspectives. The end goal for an educative experience at school requires attentiveness to the child’s unique community in and outside of school as those are the most familiar experiences for the child, which in turn provide the grounds for richer learning. This paper contributes to explaining how the capabilities approach can avoid the problems in the current education system and promote children's flourishing and student development.

Keywords: deficit model, philosophy of childhood, child flourishing, capabilities approach, childhood care and education

Abstract:

Frieze and Wallpaper groups are typically described and viewed according to abstract algebra, which involves picturing the transformations’ compositions in a primarily geometric fashion. The elements comprising this group are Euclidean plane isometries, which consist of reflections, translations, rotations, and glide reflections. Although traditionally viewed geometrically, these symmetry groups can also be interpreted through the lens of complex function composition. This formulation describes the isometries as complex functions of the form f(z)=αz+β or g(z)=α¯z+β with β∈R, α∈C , and |α|=1. By introducing these transformations and compositions within the complex plane, we are giving a more visible illustration of Frieze and Wallpaper group elements than the algebraic definition provides.

Abstract:

We investigate the efficiency the various legalized, online sportsbooks in the National Hockey League betting market. Historically, across a number of sports, betting markets tend to be mostly efficient. However, there have been recognized inefficiencies in several sports, but over time, these inefficiencies tend to dissipate. Furthermore, for those sports betting markets that have inefficiencies, there has since been a general trend towards more market efficiency in recent years. Sports betting has increased drastically since its legalization in certain states and is only becoming more popular. Hence, with the increase in the number of states legalizing online sports betting, the increase in the availability of online sports books, and the growing interest and participation in online sports betting, we question whether these online sportsbooks remain efficient. The question of interest becomes are these various online sportsbooks efficient in the NHL betting market, and if not, is there an opportunity to beat the market and make a profit by way of a certain betting strategy. We test the efficiency of twelve different online sportsbooks that have posted odds for NHL hockey games starting with the 2018-2019 season through the 2021-2022 season.

Abstract:

Vulnerability has been defined as expressing emotions to others in ways that involve risk and uncertainty. Being vulnerable is typically thought of as a weakness, especially in sports contexts, but research has shown that there are possible positive outcomes that come from being vulnerable. The ability to be vulnerable is highly dependent on situational and contextual factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate what vulnerability looks like in sports settings, possible precursors of vulnerability, and both positive and negative outcomes that vulnerability can lead to. The participants in this study were fifteen St. Lawrence University varsity student-athletes from a variety of different team and individual sports. While we are still in the process of analyzing the data, preliminary findings indicate that participants were more likely to be vulnerable in sports settings if they had experienced vulnerability being well-received in the past, knew their teammates and coaches better, and were in inclusive and accepting environments. While participants were vulnerable about their lives outside sport more than in sport contexts, vulnerability within the sport context was frequently described as being willing to accept criticism from coaches and teammates to become a better athlete and team member. Most participants expressed that more vulnerability led to a more cohesive team, stronger relationships, and greater trust. However, vulnerability could also change how people viewed athletes, alter relationships, and distract teammates.

Abstract:

This research examines how emergency medical services (EMS) have seen a surge in opioid overdoses and addiction. As in the entirety of the United States the opioid crisis is becoming one of the leading causes of deaths and the people who are called most often to these scenarios are EMS professionals. Naloxone, more commonly known as Narcan, has about a 75% success rate in reversing and overdose, however, this requires EMS to be called as soon as possible. There is a consensus in the literature that the majority of overdose deaths could have been prevented if EMS was called sooner. So why are people not calling? A common reason is the fear of law enforcement penalty or punishment if EMS is to be called. While, in most cases of an overdose law enforcement are sent to the scene they are not there for punishment, but for the protection of EMS personnel and in some counties are allowed to administer Naloxone themselves. This project has examined different interventions to encourage calling EMS sooner, therefore, increase success rates with Naloxone on overdoses. Furthermore, recommendations of intervention types and combinations to best address this problem efficiently and successfully.

Abstract:

The world is urbanizing at an unprecedented rate, and the growing population is now predominantly living in urban areas, with more than 50% of the global demographic living in cities (Wu, 2008). As

urbanization increases, it’s imperative for cities to incorporate green spaces and walkable neighborhoods into their zoning for public health and urban resiliency (Kondo, 2018). Numerous studies have been done that link accessible exposure to green space to positive human health benefits, including physical fitness and lack of obesity prevalence (Bozkurt, 2021). Not only do green spaces affect the positive health of the citizens, but they are also crucial to reducing pollutant emissions from combustion vehicles. Additionally, they help by decreasing the heat island effect by reducing the temperature in the microclimate of the city (Makehelof, 2009). However, socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities play role in urban green space accessibility, so it is crucial to implement green space that is reachable to all individuals considering the benefits (Dai, 2011). Building accessible green space is a key part of global urbanization; Cities need to be designed with the citizen's health and climate's well being in mind. Using the game City Skylines as a resource to construct a simulation city, examples of what an urban area with accessible green space was designed.

Abstract:

Scott Roberts

Teaching Chemistry

Chemistry is one of the more difficult topics for high school students. As I plan to become a chemistry teacher after my time at SLU, this is the focus of my SYE project. My goal was to research teaching techniques and develop materials to promote student engagement, understanding and enjoyment in the learning. In addition, I needed to research New York State standards as teachers in the state need to incorporate these to prepare their students for the Regents exams held annually. Shadowing and interviewing experienced teachers allowed me to gain a sense of direction into what course material to cover and how best to create a student driven class. The ideas I was most interested in pursuing were using a progressive style of teaching, adapting the course day by day to meet the students’ interests, and the use of analogies. I chose several chemistry topics to develop worksheets, laboratory exercises, and lesson plans: the periodic table of elements, concentration, dilution, density, equilibrium, and redox reactions. I incorporated aspects from the standards, literature I studied, and the classrooms I shadowed to make the lessons more student-driven and included diverse ways to get a point across. With this, I hope to create a classroom that encases everything mentioned to better the students’ education.

Abstract:

This project aims to predict the potential success of NFL players' careers using a combination of NFL combine data and previous college football statistics, focusing exclusively on data collected prior to a player's draft. The NFL combine data provides information on players' physical attributes and abilities, such as speed, strength, and agility, while college football statistics offer insight into players' performance on the field during their college careers. However, accurately predicting a player's future success can be challenging due to missing values in the NFL combine data. To address this issue, the project employs data imputation techniques to fill in the missing values, enabling more accurate predictions. This research has the potential to help NFL teams make more informed decisions when drafting players, based on their performance in college and the NFL combine results, in order to predict their future success in the league.

Abstract:

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway. Although most cases of Parkinson’s have unknown causes, 10% of cases are familial, meaning there is a genetic cause. In both familial cases of Parkinson’s and cases with no known causes, there has been found to be an accumulation of the protein α-synuclein which has been found to be connected to the motor deficits seen in Parkinson’s. Our research hopes to address these motor deficits in a model system of Parkinson’s Disease. C. elegans is a nematode roundworm that works well to address neurobiological questions because of its well understood nervous system and genome. In this research we used the NL5901 strain of C. elegans, which expresses human α-synuclein with the same mutation as found in familial cases of Parkinson’s Disease in the muscle tissue of the worm. We grew the worms on nematode growth medium (NGM) containing mannitol, a small molecule found to reduce motor deficits in a Drosophila Parkinson’s Disease model by acting as an osmolyte chemical chaperone. We used a thrashing (swimming) assay to measure motor deficits. We hypothesized that treating the NL5901 Parkinson’s Disease model of C. elegans with mannitol would reduce the motor deficits observed as the C. elegans age. The data are still blind coded until all replicates are performed, and then statistical analysis will be completed. Future research will look to better understand the mechanism behind the effects of mannitol using confocal imaging of alpha synuclein accumulation.

Abstract:

Creating efficient green processes for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is very important today as we combat climate change. My research focused of synthesizing a hetero-binuclear unit (ZrOCo-SiO2) which can create an electron transfer between metals when exposed to high energy light. This electron transfer can then be used to split carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen gas. We used infrared spectroscopy to analyze this reaction. To measure this reaction, we placed a pellet of the hetero-binuclear unit in a cell filled with carbon dioxide gas and shot it with a 405nm laser. At the same time, we took infrared measurements of our sample to analyze how the contents of the cell changed as the reaction took place. As a result, we were able to measure the splitting of carbon dioxide due to the hetero-binuclear electron transfer.

Abstract:

Chronic diseases have been becoming more common in the world today. As of 2022 heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease have all been in the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. The deadliness of these chronic diseases can require constant medical attention and their deadliness makes access to the proper health care facilities important. If people with these chronic diseases cannot make it to the hospital quickly, when necessary, they could die. This study will be looking at two groups of three states that were picked to compare their geographic differences. The goal of this study is to determine if there are any correlations between chronic diseases, access to healthcare facilities, states healthcare insurance and spending, and household income at the U.S. Census tract level in Massachusetts, New York, and New Hampshire (Group 1) and Florida, Texas, and Alabama (Group 2). Spatial analysis of drive times to hospitals, examining differences of income, chronic disease rates and death rates, and healthcare spending and insurance rates within each state was conducted. It will be determined that areas which spent more on health care and had higher health insurance had easier access to proper health care facilities and lower rates of death from the chronic diseases. This could indicate that in some states more money needs to be dedicated to health care and health insurance.

Abstract:

Within an ecosystem, many organisms communicate in unique ways that are much more complex than we know. For instance, many plants can communicate with each other to trigger defense mechanisms after herbivores attack. Less well known is how some plants can detect potential herbivores even before they attack. Tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima) is known to elicit such a defense mechanism against its parasite, the goldenrod gall fly (Eurosta solidaginis), which lays eggs in the plant and whose larvae develop within the plant galls. To prevent successful oviposition, tall goldenrod is able to detect the sex pheromones of the goldenrod gall fly and mount a defense response that inhibits the fly’s ability to survive on the plant. This response can occur when the plant ‘smells’ the fly, even before the fly is in direct contact with the plant. This interaction has coevolved tightly between the two species, but it is unknown if the same relationship exists between the fly and other species of goldenrod on which the fly also oviposits. We tested whether similar defense mechanisms have evolved in giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) in Canton, NY. In a field experiment, we exposed half of 100 surveyed plants from both tall goldenrod and giant goldenrod with the fly sex pheromone and recorded the amount of herbivory and fly oviposition on all plants through five consecutive field surveys. Our results indicate that, unlike tall goldenrod, the giant goldenrod does not react to the fly pheromones in a way that prevents future oviposition. Our results suggest that the coevolved relationship that has developed between the goldenrod gall fly and tall goldenrod may not have yet advanced in giant goldenrod. As giant goldenrod is a species onto which the fly has recently host-shifted, it may be benefitting from a period of lower plant defense traits, enabling the host-shift to be evolutionarily advantageous in the (relative) short-term.

Abstract:

The Calling All Saints Program has been fundraising for the St. Lawrence University annual fund for over a decade. This project constructs statistical models to look at the leading factors that contribute to the likelihood of a donation through the Calling All Saints (CAS) program. Utilizing data from the past ten years, we looked at all CAS and non-CAS gifts. We fit logistic regression and lasso regression models to explain trends and predict outcomes. The goal of the analysis is to use statistical methods to provide evidence for strategic improvements in outreach for the Calling All Saints program, and to influence the program beneficially.

Abstract:

As in any sport, ice hockey pertains to a set of rules that, if broken, come with a consequence. Penalties in ice hockey are different from many sports though, in that when a player gets called on a penalty, they spend a certain amount of time off the ice and their team plays with a player down for that time. With ice hockey being only five-on-five (not including the goal tender), a time frame where a team is down a whole player would seem like it would cause a major disadvantage to the shorthanded team and advantage to the team with all five on the ice.

The Professional Hockey Dataset taken from Kaggle contains team-level penalty statistics, including penalty minutes (PIM), shorthanded goals for (SHF), shorthanded goals against (SHA), power play goals (PPG), and power play goals against (PKG). We explore these data with binomial logistic regression and hierarchical clustering.

Abstract:

Complex dynamics is a field of mathematics which studies the behavior of iterated functions in the complex plane. The complex plane is the set of all numbers that have a real part and an imaginary part, so they can include the imaginary unit i, which is the square root of -1. Applying an iterated function to numbers in the complex plane often produces extraordinary two-dimensional fractals. These images are crucial to the study of complex dynamics, as is interacting with the fractals and changing how they are generated to best understand complex numbers and functions. Existing software available to generate these fractals either supports limited features or is incompatible with modern operating systems.

We present Fractal Voyager, a web application to generate fractals based on custom scripts entered by the user that represent iterated functions. The application takes scripts written in a custom complex dynamics language, and converts them into code that can be run to create fractal images. Along with generating fractals, the web app provides the ability for users to interact with a fractal in ways such as: editing parameters, exploring the fractal (zooming and panning), and generating other fractals based on iterated functions that are related to the initial function. Fractal Voyager takes advantage of Web Assembly, which allows for the computationally intensive task of generating fractals to outperform pure JavaScript, the default language of the web. The application will allow mathematicians studying complex dynamics to research a wide variety of fractals conveniently on the web and can be a useful learning tool in teaching complex dynamics.

Abstract:

Marijuana use among college students has been a growing concern in recent years due to changing societal attitudes, evolving legislation, and potential impacts on academic performance and overall well-being. The National Institute on Drug Abuse found that college students are using marijuana at the highest rate since the 1980s. Our study aimed to explore the prevalence of marijuana use on college campuses and its potential impacts on academic achievement, mental health, social habits, and physical health. Past research has shown that students with low levels of academic achievement and cognitive functioning are more likely to be marijuana consumers. However, there is very little evidence that demonstrates that there is a direct causal relationship between marijuana use and low academic achievement or cognitive functioning. Among college students, stressors can come from academic challenges as well as personal concerns. Studies report that frequent use of marijuana is a strong predictor for the increase in mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and overall psychological distress. Many users of all ages use marijuana to help cope with mental health problems, which may not be beneficial in the long run. Evidence reveals that marijuana can accelerate these issues instead of helping them. Marijuana use can also influence social relationships among college students. Studies have concluded that frequent marijuana use negatively impacts students’ social behaviors, which leads to social isolation. Marijuana use can also impact one’s physical health, from breathing problems and increased heart rate to intense nausea and vomiting. Chronic marijuana users tend to overall report more physical symptoms, less physical activity, poorer eating practices, and less sleep. College campuses need to address these challenges by implementing evidence-based prevention, education, and intervention strategies to promote healthy behaviors, as well as to provide information about marijuana and its potential risks, which helps students make informed decisions about their substance use. Campus policies and practices should be informed by relevant laws and regulations, as well as considerations for health, safety, equity, and social justice.

Abstract:

Ischemic strokes, neurological events characterized by interruption of blood supply to the brain, lead to detrimental health outcomes in over 5.5 million people worldwide annually. As a result of physiological time sensitivity, researchers struggle to develop effective neuroprotective treatments for ischemic strokes. Tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA), a clot-busting drug, is the only approved pharmaceutical treatment for ischemic strokes and only shows neuroprotective effects within three hours of stroke onset. Oxidative stress, characterized by the imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and tissues, is a side effect of ischemic stroke and leads to the onset of the ischemic cascade. GRP75, a heat-shock protein that is up-regulated in environments of oxidative stress, leads to mitochondrial calcium overload and subsequent neuronal death. MKT-077, a known pharmacological inhibitor of GRP75, has been shown to improve cell viability under conditions of oxidative stress. This project aims to look further at the relationship between MKT-077 concentrations and cell viability under glutamate-induced oxidative stress through a series of pre-, co-, and post-exposure experiment schedules, which will reveal the ability of MKT-077 to provide neuroprotection in the context of a time-sensitive ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that the pre-exposure of HT22 cells, an immortalized mouse hippocampal cell line, to MKT-077 would result in the highest preservation of cell viability, and post-exposure would result in the lowest, due to the length of time the cells are exposed to conditions of oxidative stress. The hypothesis was supported, as an increase in viability was observed in each concentration of MKT-077 in the pre-exposure experiments and a decline in viability was observed in the post-exposure experiments. It can be inferred that MKT-077 is not a viable neuroprotective treatment when given 6 hours following induction of oxidative stress, but it has the potential to be a favorable treatment option if given before the stressor takes place.

Abstract:

Ovulation tracking is commonly used in research on sexual attraction amongst human females. Though a variety of methods are utilized to pinpoint the timing of ovulation, the calendar method (i.e., assuming females are ovulating on day 14 of a 28 day cycle) is frequently used because it is inexpensive and less labor intensive than other physiological measures. The present study illustrates that the calendar method is not an accurate way of assessing ovulation, and instead proposes tracking luteinizing hormone (LH) levels as a more reliable alternative. As part of a larger study assessing the role of ovulation in attraction to women’s bodies, undergraduate students from St. Lawrence University (N = 34) were recruited to participate in the present study. To be eligible, participants had to be at least 18 years of age, not currently taking any hormonal birth control, and assigned the sex of female at birth. Eligible participants attended an orientation meeting to discuss the various components of the study, how to use luteinizing hormone test strips and ask any questions. Based on the first day of their last period, we calculated a 10-day window during which ovulation was most likely to occur. Rather than asking participants to take our ovulation survey on day 14 of their cycle, we asked them to test their LH levels from days 10 through 19 of their cycle in order to determine the point at which their LH levels surged. An LH surge signals the release of an egg, with ovulation occurring approximately 24-36 hours later. Out of 34 participants who completed the orientation meeting, 17 participants have thus far completed LH testing and reached ovulation, four completed LH testing and did not have an LH surge (indicating they did not enter ovulation), and three people dropped out of the study during testing. Based on the LH values that participants reported during their ten-day window, we found a range of cycle days for LH peak (range = day 10 to day 18; average peak of LH = day 13.57; mode = day 11). In fact, using the calendar method would have only accurately targeted the ovulation of one participant. LH surge levels varied widely by participant as well (range = 12.5 to 80 IU/L; average LH surge = 24.37). These findings illustrate the utility of LH testing, and pitfalls of the calendar method, in tracking ovulation.

Abstract:

Danish early childhood education is known for placing strong emphasis on developing a child’s ability to socialize and be civilized. Social and emotional pedagogy is a foundational aspect of Denmark’s education system. Educators work to develop a child’s ability to engage in a group by helping them create healthy relationships with themselves and with others. The current study investigated the relationship between Danish early childhood values of acknowledgment, trust, community, and social/emotional development in an effort to understand how these values are used by Danish educators. Values were investigated by interviewing kindergarten educators about how their interactions with children aid in the development of social and emotional competence, and by observing interactions among children and between educators and children during their time in the kindergarten. Participants included four early childhood educators who work with children aged 3 to 6 years. The interviews and observations showed that social and emotional competence is achieved by the cumulative process of acknowledgment, trust, and community, which are created through intentional interactions between children and educators as well as the organization of the institution. These intentional interactions involve listening to children, reciprocating understanding, and building community through relationship-oriented group activities. This research was inspired by the apparent lack of intentional social and emotional pedagogy in the U.S. By highlighting social and emotional values in Denmark, this researcher hopes to inspire American educators to integrate more social and emotional values in their pedagogy, thereby enhancing early development of civility and emotional competence in children.

Abstract:

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the defendant's right to a fair, impartial, and unbiased jury. One safeguard that helps prevent emotional bias in a jury trial is limiting instructions, which direct the jury's attention to a piece of evidence for one purpose, excluding others. Jurors appear to process limiting instructions best prospectively, meaning when they are provided at the beginning of the trial (Cush & Delahunty, 2006). Previous studies have shown that limiting instructions used in cases with emotional evidence are processed differently than non-emotional instruction and create more stress for the jury (Cush & Delahunty, 2006; Thompson & Dennison, 2004). Additionally, the verbiage of limiting instructions is ineffective at nullifying the emotional bias of certain kinds of emotional evidence (Edwards & Mottarella, 2014). One explanation for limiting instruction's ineffectiveness may be jurors' tolerance for cognitive engagement. Need for Cognition (NFC) is "the tendency for an individual to engage in and enjoy thinking" (Cacioppo & Petty, 1982, p. 116). People with a high need for cognition can better monitor their emotions, especially in high-risk settings like a courtroom (Cacioppo & Petty, 1982). Previous work has shown that individuals with a low need for cognition rendered more guilty verdicts and expressed greater negative emotions toward the defendant in a case that used emotional-evidence-limiting instructions (Matsuo & Itoh, 2017). Because NFC is based on motivation and not intelligence, external motivators can lead low need for cognition individuals to think critically for longer and to better self-monitor their emotions (Cacioppo, Petty, Feinstein, & Jarvis, 1996). The present study uses the juror oath as an external motivator for low NFC individuals in a case involving emotional-evidence-limiting instructions. Currently, the oath is administered at the beginning of a jury trial. However, reminders about the oath have been found to empower individuals to act in accordance with juror instructions by creating a sense of obligation (Crosby, Oakes, & Kohlasch, 2019; Knudsen, 2016; Young & Evarts, 2017). We hypothesize that pre-limiting instructions along with a reminder of the juror oath will help to counteract emotional bias felt by the jury, resulting in less guilty verdicts that are based on emotion and not evidence. Results pending data collection.

Abstract:

Maternal and infant health is important for governments and health workers; however, there are tendencies toward prioritizing maternal and infant survival. The Ghanaian government has put in place measures to reduce maternal and infant mortality by implementing policies like the National Health Insurance Scheme that help mothers get subsidized or free maternal health care, Kangaroo Baby Care to reduce infant mortality, and mobile technology for community health services, especially in rural areas (Anokye et al., 2018). As important as it is to reduce the mortality rate of mothers and babies, the mental health of mothers is also crucial for their overall health and well-being and the development of their newborns. In Ghana, physical maternal and child health, especially after delivery, remains a priority, with less focus on mental health challenges. This study seeks to understand how Ghanaian women navigate through maternal mental health challenges, including the challenges they face and the support systems available to them. The study was conducted in the Greater Accra Region. An ethnographic methodology was used. The primary investigator and research collaborator performed in-depth qualitative interviews and participant observations. Participants included health professionals, educational professionals, and Ghanaian mothers. We found out that women with a family history of mental health conditions and low socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to experience mental health challenges after birth. Women were less likely to seek professional medical care due to cultural, religious, and personal beliefs, but resorted to family, women's support groups, and spiritual leaders for help. Although health professionals expressed the presence of community education about mental health and the availability of affordable mental health facilities, most of the mothers did not receive mental health education during and after childbirth. These findings showcase that maternal mental health in Ghana needs more attention, and there is a need for extensive research to fill in the gaps of how women navigate through these experiences to enable leaders and societal members to address this issue.

Abstract:

The Mahabharata is an ancient Hindu epic, detailing in over 100,000 verses the tragic and catastrophic conflict between two sets of royal cousins. Framed within the Hindu context of dharma, typically understood as righteousness, the story describes the interconnection between the human and the divine. The Mahabharata has been kept alive through centuries of retellings, which recast the story in different languages and mediums.

My Senior Project is focused on modern retellings of this epic in films, literature, and graphic novels. These retellings often highlight the role of revenge in propelling the narrative and its characters from start to finish. I am intrigued by the gendered dimensions of revenge, and especially the varying ways in which it is felt and taken by characters embodied as female.

For the Festival of Science, Scholarship, and Creativity, I will present three of my own retellings using the medium of book art, a style of art that pushes the confines of what comprises a book and plays with the material form of the book. My retellings depict three critical moments of the consequences of feminine rage and revenge that fuel the characters. In doing so, I investigate the potential of using ancient texts to navigate contemporary discussions on the trope of “the angry woman.”

Abstract:

College freshmen struggle with staying healthy due to poor sleep habits, drug and alcohol intake, poor diet, and inconsistent or insufficient exercise. These unhealthy habits often lead to unwanted weight gain, negatively affect mood, and may contribute to increases in anxiety and depression. In fact, research demonstrates that transitioning to college affects the eating habits of almost half of freshmen, as well as increasing alcohol consumption for one-third of them (de Vos et al., 2015). In this research, we will discuss evidence-based strategies that can reduce these numbers. Common approaches include drug use and nutrition interventions as well as promotions of healthy weight maintenance and increased sleep quality. For instance, research on changing how food is served shows that providing fruits and vegetables at the beginning of the buffet shows an increase in fruit and vegetable intake among college students (Kongsbak et al., 2016). The most successful interventions, however, have included at least two or more goals for the interventions, such as those focusing on increasing both exercise and sleep quality (Pilcher et al., 2020). In addition to multiple goals, studies using more than one style of intervention (i.e., face-to-face, over the internet, etc.) were more successful in increasing healthy eating habits in college students than those only using one method. Additionally, long-term interventions are more effective than short-term ones (Belogianni & Baldwin, 2019). We, therefore, recommend that future interventions for healthier college freshmen should incorporate multiple intervention styles and goals as well as lengthen the intervention period to increase effectiveness.

Abstract:

Food waste ranked as the second largest component of municipal solid waste and made up 22% of that material heading to landfills in 2018 (EPA, n.d.). The EPA estimates that 40% of the food produced in the U.S. is wasted. This has direct climate impacts. Landfill gas emissions from decomposing organic waste are the third largest contributor to anthropogenic methane emissions. Food waste has both climate and economic impacts as the cost and distance to haul waste in New York State increases.

Legislators in New York State have addressed the concern for wasted food and waste related emissions by passing the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law of 2021. This law targets large food waste generators including Universities, requiring them to divert food wastes from landfills. St. Lawrence University has been identified as a large food waste generator with a model estimated production of approximately 3.13 tons/week (RIT, n.d.). A rapid response to the legislation has led to multiple colleges teaming up to quantify their food waste and working together with composting groups. Currently there are limited publications of University food waste audits.

St. Lawrence University in a joint effort with Clarkson University, has conducted a large-scale campus-wide food waste study. The study includes a comprehensive food waste audit of eateries and residences, a descriptive model of the campus food and waste system, an education campaign and a series of surveys addressing attitudes and understanding of food waste and behaviors.

Our study found a 73% higher generation of food waste (during the active school year) than models predict. In the week we conducted the audit, we measured kitchen scraps, over production, and post-consumer waste. Post-consumer waste (un-eaten plated food) was the largest source (approximately 66%) of the total food wasted. Over production (un-eaten buffet set outs) and kitchen scraps from food preparation accounted for nearly 600 lbs/day. This poster will present the results of our campus food waste audit, survey, waste management, and the climate impacts of increasing our food waste diversion to a local compost site.

Surveying campus members, quantifying daily food waste generation, and tracking its management are just the beginning of addressing this problem. These are, however, necessary steps to identify challenges and behaviors surrounding food waste. Going forward, we anticipate using this data to brainstorm solutions for reducing food waste, and behaviors that lead to it and identifying improved management systems. This study has resulted in multiple discussions of system changes and collaborations. Our poster will include the larger campus system benefits that have resulted from the study.

Abstract:

Paenibacillus has many roles in ecological processes and has been identified as a core member of the microbiome of several agriculturally significant crops. This bacterium is commonly found in soil and has been isolated from plant roots. Paenibacillus also promotes plant growth. In addition to ecological benefits, antimicrobial compounds have been derived from Paenibacillus and can be used in medical applications or as pesticides. We isolated samples of bacteria exhibiting Paenibacillus growth patterns from soil sample on the St Lawrence campus and Specially Selected Raw Honey. DNA extraction was performed on both samples and the extracted DNA was then amplified using PCR with primers for the16S rRNA gene. These samples were then purified and sent out for sequencing. Gel electrophoresis was also performed and demonstrated similar band movement between the two samples. Sequencing results indicate the bacteria from the soil sample to be Paenibacillus massiliensis and the honey isolate was Paenibacillus alvei. We are conducting growth studies to investigate the effect of these bacteria on promoting plant growth by growing lettuce seeds moistened with and without the bacteria and measuring their root growth in length. We are also testing auxin production, phosphate solubilization, in addition to assessing percent growth promotion.

Abstract:

This presentation discusses how to collect and store NCAA Sports Data in a way that makes it more accessible for researchers and instructors. Using ECAC Division 3 Volleyball data, this talk will demonstrate effective scraping in R and how to efficiently store multiple tables into a relational database. Finally, we will show sample statistical analyses that make use of different features of the match and team data in order to visualize and investigate win percentages.

Abstract:

Blood vessels in the brain provide oxygen and nutrients to neurons, which are responsible for maintaining homeostasis and controlling cognitive behavior. The rupture or blockage of these blood vessels prevents oxygen from reaching neurons, resulting in neuronal death and the disruption of vital functions, as commonly observed in strokes. Due to the unique damage footprint of every stroke, there is an increasing demand for individualized therapeutic tools to improve cognitive and motor regeneration during stroke recovery. One such therapy is to use externally applied magnetic fields that are painless and highly tunable. Intracellular electromagnetic fields (EMFs) play a role in the movement of ions, regulation of genes, and energy generation within neurons. Studies have shown that adding externally applied magnetic fields can modulate intracellular EMFs, leading to increased proliferation and metabolic activity in neural cells. In this study, HT22 neuronal cells were exposed to a static 1 mT magnetic field to analyze the effects of short-term therapeutic exposure on neural proliferation, growth rates, and cell morphology. Magnetic field exposure significantly increased the growth and proliferation of HT22 cells and decreased circularity compared to control conditions. These metrics are associated with increased neural activity and motivate future research on magnetic fields for stroke rehabilitation.

Abstract:

Traditional power assesses how often we reject a null hypothesis for a particular value of the parameter. One drawback of this approach is that the “rejection” decision depends on a specific significance level like 5% which has recently become controversial. Our goal is to develop alternative measures that can compare the effectiveness of statistical tests without relying on a fixed significance level. We do this by considering the entire distribution of possible p-values for any value of the parameter. If the alternative hypothesis is true, we prefer a test which tends to have smaller p-values. For example, we define a quantity called Dpower which takes values from -1 to 1, where values closer to 1 indicate more effective tests for a specific alternative parameter.

Abstract:

This research analyses the role of the hegemony of English and its connection to the neoliberal project in globalization today utilizing the cases of Kenya and Spain. It aims to contribute to a growing body of literature that shows that learning English is not universally beneficial or neutral in any way. English is harming people and communities in ways that are not recognized in the dominant discourse around English language teaching.

Abstract:

My SYE for the Religious Studies Department is focused on art and ritual in Tibetan Buddhism. Visual elements of religion are surely aesthetically fascinating, but also offer a deeper look into religion and culture. I examine Tibetan “Thangka” paintings produced in Nepal, which are powerful meditational tools. The subjects seen in the paintings are deities and beings central to Tibetan Buddhist narratives, and their stories convey essential teachings. The colors and linework used to depict the deities, landscapes, flora, and fauna is rich in symbolism. Creating a thangka is a time-consuming process that is deeply involved in ritual and meditation.

My project analyzes several thangkas that are a part of the permanent collection at St. Lawrence University’s Brush Art Gallery, with the aim of creating descriptions to be used by the general Laurentian community. Cross-cultural understanding is something that has always been important to me. I wish to create an accessible way to learn about other cultures that may be difficult to digest for a broader audience. This was the goal of a study abroad project on Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags I conducted in Nepal last semester, and it is what animates my current SYE work. By creating these thangka descriptions, I am only brushing the surface of a complex religious and cultural tradition, but I hope people can learn about the beauty that exists in places that may feel distant.

Abstract:

In this project, we explore methods of measuring dissimilarity between probability distributions, with an application to music data. We use multivariate normal distributions to represent musical artist’s style and calculate dissimilarity between artist’s style for the purpose of hierarchical clustering. The metrics we explore in this project are the Euclidean distance, Bhattacharyya Distance, K-L Divergence and Hellinger Squared distance. When applied to the music data, the Hellinger Squared and Bhattacharya Distances performed similarly, and the K-L Divergence gave less desirable results.

Abstract:

Ambystoma laterale x jeffersonianum (Blue-spotted Salamander complex) is found throughout the northeastern US. Blue-spotted and unisexual salamanders are cold tolerant, terrestrial, and generally understood to be insectivores that hunt beneath leaf litter or underground in burrows. Between October and November 2022, we documented 106 sightings of salamanders in the Blue-spotted complex. We studied the possibility of gregarious surface behavior. All salamanders were found active, above the leaf litter. We used transects, GIS, and GPS to measure the proximity of individuals in a 10-m radius. 106 complex salamanders were sighted within 22 transects. We recorded instances of perching behavior (n = 14), which has not yet been reported for this complex. When a salamander was seen perched on top of vegetation or objects (branches, tree trunks, rocks), we recorded its height from the ground. We found that 57.5% of the salamanders were within 2.6 m of each other (near) and 11% were within 1.1 m (close proximity). Our next steps involve looking at DNA and measurements such as SVL and weight to determine if the gregarious or climbing behaviors correspond with biotype. Further research is needed to determine the role of intraspecific gregariousness and perching behaviors.

Abstract:

Economic theory suggests that both athletes and team managers should trade off length and annual salary when negotiating contracts. However, previous research on sports contract structure has established that in practice, there is generally a positive relationship between length and salary even when controlling for performance variables. Research has attempted to solve this issue using instrumental variables with limited success. We suggest the key factor of player popularity as a potential solution for the endogeneity issue, and in the absence of suitable instruments, use the nonlinear structure of NBA contract length to identify the model. Using fan All-star votes as a proxy for popularity, we find that it is positively correlated with both length and salary and that popularity shows diminishing returns to both contract length and salary as a player increases in age.

Abstract:

St. Lawrence University’s Permaculture Garden fulfills many roles in impacting the experiences of students during their time here. Tucked behind Commons College near the center of campus, it was founded as a community space, open to include students, faculty, and staff. To create a gathering place. The garden can serve as a place for hosting discussions and lessons in a natural setting. Students exposed to nature can have numerous benefits. Biophilia, our innate disposition to finding comfort in natural spaces. Spending time in natural environments can reduce stress and improve mood. This corresponds to growing movements across the U.S. to increase natural settings in urban/developed settings. Campuses across the U.S. are establishing living classrooms as an alternative learning space compared to traditionally restrictive, static classrooms. Furthermore, St. Lawrence takes pride in encouraging hands-on learning, connecting concepts with practical application of knowledge. Primarily, emphasis of the permaculture garden been placed around food systems and ecology. The garden serves as a haven for biodiversity on campus. The University has recently increased its effort to sustain biodiversity on its campus by establishing spaces such as the permaculture garden and multiple no-mow zones. The spaces are extremely crucial in protecting pollinators and other key species. In turn, the liberal arts of the greater University has broadened the intention of the garden. Food system science not only explores the practical components of food production, but also the socioeconomic complexities inherent in systems. In fact, the research surrounding the garden discussed food insecurity in surrounding St. Lawrence County. Would more community gardens established in the wider area, have in impact on food dependence and nutrition. Permaculture sources food from a stable/sustainable source, with emphasis on managing perennials using agroecology. Once well established, fruit trees and berries provide food annually with much lower input costs, thus decreasing dependence on contemporary food suppliers. Furthermore, the outlook for the garden in years to come is likely to focus on accommodation and education. An interpretive trail to the garden and within, will educate visitors on species and their interactions, using multiple types of media to improve access. As well as ensuring the trail and garden paths are more accessible to visitors with disabilities. In terms of management, the garden needs to overcome organizational transience as students cycle through the school. Currently, the intention is to involve the permanent members of the community, those who can have a greater time commitment and benefit more from the space.

Abstract:

Procrastination is the act of intentionally putting off a task that needs to be completed. Procrastination is commonly discussed and understood socially and culturally. The opposite of procrastination has been termed pre-crastination. Pre-crastination is the tendency to complete or begin a task as soon as possible, or to start a task unnecessarily early, even at some additional cost. In this study we were interested in the phenomenon of pre-crastination as a predictor of delay discounting. Delay discounting is a feature of a host of disorders and behavioral maladies, and by determining what predicts delay discounting we can work to reduce delay discounting and treat those disorders. We operationalized pre-crastination using a standard bucket-carrying task in which participants chose between a close bucket or a further bucket across multiple trials. We operationalized delay discounting using titrating hypothetical monetary values, asking participants to choose between smaller sooner and larger later rewards. In our results we hope to better understand any possible relationship between impulsive choice and pre-crastination behaviors.

Abstract:

The Canada Jay (Perisoreus canadensis) is a passerine species that lives in boreal forests year-round and habituates to humans in locations where supplemental feeding is available. In the Adirondacks, Canada Jays have an “island” population that is inaccessible to the more northern boreal forests of Canada. This limits the survival and dispersal of Canada Jays and will be exacerbated by rapid anthropogenic climate warming. Adult Canada Jays form monogamous mated pairs and occupy a territory of ~70 hectares, making exact territory boundaries and locations difficult to assess due to their size and habitat preferences. The species is found in Adirondack lowland boreal bogs with sparse black spruce and tamarack forest cover. Determining possible Canada Jay habitat through the assessment of habitat composition and landscape will allows us to isolate locations that should have jays occupying the area. We then used “ebird” (a platform that stores and displays bird sighting data submitted by birders) to isolate areas that meet the habitat preferences of this species. Factors considered for model building included wetland composition, forest composition, elevation, and bird territory size. The goal for this model is to isolate sites that future SLU students can survey with the hope of locating more breeding pairs of this unique and threatened species.

Abstract:

In the Northern United States, highway departments rely on road salt, often composed of sodium chloride (NaCl) to maintain road safety throughout the winter seasons. When not being spread on roads, road salts are often stored in sheds that meet minimal state regulations to protect the surrounding areas from leeching. Previous research has noted instances that outdoor salt storage has significantly increased sodium concentrations in groundwater in close proximity to the sheds1. In this study, the groundwater levels of sodium, as well as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and chloride are going to be analytically evaluated to assess the effects of salt storage in relation to salt storage proximity in Chenango County, NY. Forty-two well water samples within two miles of 4 different storage sheds were collected and flame atomic absorption (FAAS) and emission (FAES) was used to determine the concentrations of each metal in every sample. High performance liquid ion chromatography (HPLC-IC) was used to determine the concentration of the anions, primarily chloride, in each water sample. Statistical methods will be employed to evaluate the likelihood of groundwater contamination by salt storage. The predicted results are that higher concentrations of each element tested will be significantly higher in water samples collected closer to the storage sheds.

Abstract:

Background

Access to healthcare is vital for the management of chronic diseases, but it can be a barrier in many instances, resulting in a high burden of chronic diseases, such as depression. Our objective was to examine the relationship between access to healthcare and depression severity in contemporary free-living adults in the US.

Methods

Data from the 2013-2018 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used (n = 14,306; age range: 20-80 years). The distribution of depressive severity (i.e., no depression (n = 10,440), minimal-mild severity (n = 3,635), moderate-severe (n = 231), was calculated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and compared to participants who reported healthcare access data (i.e., yes (n = 11,853), and no (n = 2,453)) using multinomial logistic regression adjusting for common confounding variables (i.e., age, gender, race, marital status, education level, BMI, poverty level, health insurance status, overall health condition). Effect modification was conducted for age, gender, BMI, poverty-income ratio, (PIR) and health insurance status.

Results

Of the 14,306 participants included in the study, 52% were females, the mean age was 49.6 years (SD: 17.5). Approximately 17% of the study participants reported having no place of healthcare access to address their health needs, and of those individuals, 31% were Non-Hispanic White, 18.5% were non-Hispanic Black, and 22.3% were Mexican American/Other Hispanic. In our univariate analysis, compared to participants with no depression, minimal-mild severity and moderate-severe severity were not significantly associated with having no place of healthcare access (OR (95% CI): 0.88 (0.79, 0.97); and, 0.78 (0.54, 1.13) respectively). Adjustment for confounding variables did not materially change these effect sizes; however, having no healthcare access was associated with higher odds of moderate-severe depression among females (1.41 (0.85, 2.33), interaction term p = 0.006). Additional effect modification results will be reported for age, BMI, PIR, and health insurance status.

Conclusions

Access to healthcare is an important predictor of depressive severity among females. Given so many females suffer from depression, increasing outreach measures that target females may reduce the burden of depression in contemporary free-living females in the US.

Abstract:

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer considered to be the most serious form due to its high rate of becoming metastatic and spreading throughout the body to form secondary tumors. One way in which these melanoma cells become able to spread is through a process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). During EMT, cancer cells undergo a change in shape, structure, and polarity that allows them to dissociate from the tumor site and spread to other parts of the body. These cancer cells can also evade apoptotic signals from the body, preventing them from dying. The ability to avoid cell death and undergo unregulated cell growth make it easier for cancer cells to form tumors in the body. Previous research has shown that a local anesthetic called lidocaine can also affect melanoma cell death or alter cellular function. Flow cytometry analysis of Propidium Iodide staining was used to quantify cell cycle progression and showed that lidocaine treatment hindered cell cycle progression. A scratch wound assay was performed and showed that increasing lidocaine concentration negatively affected the migratory abilities of B16 murine melanoma cells. Flow cytometry analysis of Annexin V and Propidium Iodide staining was used to quantify apoptosis and revealed that lidocaine treatment increased cell death in a dose dependent manner. These results suggest that lidocaine could possibly be used as another therapeutic treatment for preventing or halting metastasis and increasing apoptosis of melanoma cells.

Abstract:

Sexual attraction, identity, and experience do not always perfectly align. For example, it is relatively common for individuals who identify as straight to have sexual experiences with and/or develop attraction toward individuals of the same gender identity. The same is also true for individuals who identify as lesbian or gay having sexual and/or romantic histories with individuals of a different gender identity than their own. The present study investigated the ways in which sexual identity, sexual histories, and sexual/romantic attraction are distinct constructs that often diverge. The data presented in this abstract was collected as part of a larger study on the role of ovulation in attraction to women’s bodies. Participants were undergraduate students at St. Lawrence University (N=34) who were at least 18 years of age, not currently on hormonal birth control and were assigned the sex of female at birth. Participants received a $5 incentive or Psychology 101 research credit for participating in this study. Participants were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire that identified participants' race (81.8% white, 9.1% Black, 6.1% Asian, 3% multiracial), age, (M=20.06, SD=1.27), and sexual identity (39.4% mostly or completely straight, 36.4 queer spectra, 24.2% bisexual). They then completed an adapted version of the Sexual Experience Questionnaire (Trotter & Alderson, 2007) to assess participants' previous sexual experiences with individuals of different gender identities (e.g., giving oral sex to men/women/transmen/transwomen/nonbinary individuals). Participants also responded to two items about their romantic and sexual attraction to people of various gender identities (e.g., “On a day-to-day basis, what percentage (0%-100%) do you currently feel romantically attracted to certain genders compared to others (for example, 40% romantically attracted to women and 60% romantically attracted to men)?”). Our findings indicated that 21.21% (n = 7) of participants had engaged in sexual behaviors that did not strictly align with their sexual identity (i.e., heavy petting with women while identifying as straight). Furthermore, 63.64% (n = 21) of students reported experiencing sexual attraction that differed from their romantic attraction. These findings further illustrate that identity, attraction, and behavior are distinct constructs, and that scholars should not assume that one is synonymous with another. These results emphasize the importance of specificity when forming conclusions about sexual identity

Abstract:

Hospitals are important to the health-care landscape, as they play a huge role in our economy and provide necessary services to communities. The goal of hospitals is to improve health outcomes and offer quality care, however a recent trend in hospital closures has increased within the United States due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, thus potentially leading to adverse consequences on patient outcomes. This project seeks to investigate the effects of closures on mortality rates across the United States at the county-levels from 2015-2019. Data collection on hospitals was obtained from the American Hospital Association. By examining the effects of net hospital closures on mortality rates and including both rural and urban areas, the results suggest that as net closures increase, mortality rates are increasing at a decreasing rate. This has significance as patient outcomes in addition to economic level factors across counties appear to be impacted by closures. Hopefully by identifying counties at risk and demonstrating that there are consequences to hospital closures across the United States, policymakers will be able to better prepare for future closures.

Abstract:

In the Fall of 2022, I had the pleasure of traveling to three cities in Australia to explore the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. A travel enrichment grant allowed me to visit art galleries, go on tours, and visit Indigenous sites in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. I studied abroad in Cairns, and I was also able to participate in activities surrounding Indigenous culture locally.

As an economics and business major, I did not have the opportunity to study other cultures as much as I would’ve liked to. As I was researching Australia, a main focal point was the rich cultural elements of Indigenous communities. I knew that this would be something I would like to explore, so I began looking into different cities and the role of Indigenous cultures within each. This project gave me the ability to travel down the east coast of Australia and visit unique cultural locations.

Abstract:

Jamaica is a popular tropical tourist destination for snorkeling and scuba diving but surprisingly little is known about its shallow-marine natural habitats, from mangrove thickets to turquoise lagoons, and fringing and barrier reefs lining its northern coast. This study focuses on the White Bay area, with the goal of identifying and mapping major shallow-marine habitats, resident carbonate-producing biota, and deposited sand. The data were recorded along several transects over a distance of ~900 meters (m) across the shoreline. Sediment samples were collected every ~150 m along the shoreline, and every ~100 m seaward from the shoreline, or until the reef crest was reached. Depth was measured every 10 meters, whereas habitats and resident carbonate biota were recorded along each transect. Identified habitats include seagrass meadows, mangrove muds, skeletal sandy shoals, seagrass with sand patches, and the reef crest. Most facies contain abundant green algae, brown algae, and seagrass associations, whereas red algae and fire corals are abundant on the reef crest (~120 to 140 m from the shoreline). The narrower, eastern part of the bay has a rocky shoreline that is poorly protected from the incoming waves. The much wider and better-protected eastern part is lined with mangrove thickets that serve as important fish nurseries. The predominance of fire corals on the reef crest suggests a major biotic change over the last several decades, with an overall decline in stony coral cover.

Abstract:

Increasing evidence suggests that oral health impacts overall health, with periodontal disease linked to systemic health problems like diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. While dental health is important for all ages, the transition into adulthood is a critical life stage with increased independence, leading to shifts in hygiene routines and beverage consumption. This study investigated current dental hygiene habits, beverage consumption, oral health knowledge, and access among St. Lawrence University students. An online survey addressing these dental factors yielded 101 participants, composed of 82% female-identifying students and 62.6% science majors. Regarding dental hygiene habits, 78% of students brushed their teeth twice daily, but only 30% flossed at least once daily. Participant gender and increased frequency of brushing and flossing since college were strongly correlated (p = 0.002), as were flossing frequency and student major (p = 0.000). Science majors visited the dentist or another dental professional at least once a year more frequently than other majors (p = 0.008), and the frequency of dental visits was strongly associated with dental insurance coverage (p = 0.000). Since college, coffee/tea was the largest increased consumed beverage, and milk was the most decreased beverage consumed. While there was no significant difference in beverage consumption, science majors were found to have better awareness of the impact oral care and beverage intake have on oral and overall health. This characterization exposes the need for further education across all majors on the impact of oral hygiene on both dental and overall health amongst St. Lawrence University students.

Abstract:

Pairs of metal ions on silica surfaces, called heterobinuclear units (HBNUs), can use the energy of absorbed light to move electrons – a key step in renewable energy materials. In spite of this useful feature, the chemical structure of HBNUs and their interactions with their surroundings remain unclear. Calculations were run on various structures of heterobinuclear units where 2,2’-bipyridine (bipy), with various orientations and connections, was attached to one of the three metal centers, titanium, zirconium or cobalt. From these results the structures of the molecules were observed to better understand the ideal geometries and bonding abilities of the various molecules, along with their relative energies to better understand the stability of the molecules relative to one another. In understanding what each molecule looks like and how stable the molecule is based upon its energy; we will be able to determine which molecule is most likely to form during the synthesis process and match predicted spectra with experimental measurements.

Abstract:

Among the issues facing today’s educators and students, mental health is a rising concern. The current education curriculum has left many teachers, students, and individuals exhausted and therefore demands changes that address mental health concerns. In the United States, 1 in 5 children aged 3 to 17 has a reported mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder (Murthy, 2021). Due to these outstanding numbers, it is clear the United States is experiencing a mental health crisis. As such, what can be done to address the crisis? In our research, we compared the effectiveness of increased mental health literacy, universal screening, and strengthened social-emotional learning as potential interventions that could provide accessible and sustainable practices of positive mental health. Based on extensive research, social-emotional learning is one of the most effective interventions to help decrease the mental health gap in schools.

Abstract:

Ontological reductionism is the notion that reality is composed of basic units that make equivalent metaphysical demands on the world as their extended correlatives. By reductio ad absurdum, I argue that this reduction is impermissible if the objects in question are to be accurately described. Ontic status, which is classically specified on a binary basis (‘being’ versus ‘non-being’), also ought to accord with gradatory ascriptions of mereological restriction internal to and among objects. As such, our ontological commitments to objects should reflect this sentiment. In this project, philosophical notions of shallow nature, asymmetric reconceptualization, and dynamic abstractionism are considered as a constructive metatheory of entailment is developed to revise the current account of Object Theory. In doing so, chemistry will both inform and be informed by this philosophy as its broad scope from the mathematical to the physical world provides insight into the necessary logic accompanying these claims.

Abstract:

This paper investigates the Exchange Rate Pass-Through effect in Japan, which is considered to be a factor of inflation. Japan's long-standing deflationary environment has persisted despite implementing low-interest rates and numerous quantitative easing measures, which may be addressed by the exchange rate's influence on domestic prices. We explore the effect of the exchange rate shock on three price indices: Import Price Index, Producer Price Index, and Consumer Price Index, using a structural vector autoregression model. To identify different economic shocks, we impose sign and narrative restrictions. The study uses data from February 1980 to December 2019, while imposing restrictions on the exogenous shocks around the Plaza Accord in 1985. The empirical model shows that the pass-through rate decreases as the exchange rate shock travels downstream along price levels. The producer price experiences a more significant divergence in the degree of pass-through and exhibits a wider confidence band, primarily due to the input-output relation along the price channel in response to the exchange rate shock. Furthermore, the distribution cost between producer and consumer price levels can explain lower pass-through for consumer prices. Additionally, the shock contribution result indicates that the exchange rate shock contribution gradually decreases as the shock is transmitted to lower price levels. This study's findings provide policymakers with insights into the channels of exchange rate shocks and their impact on different price levels, which are crucial for addressing inflation concerns in Japan.

Abstract:

Intergenerational transmission of heritage language and culture is crucial in the preservation of ethnical and historical roots. The growth of international relations and globalization have challenged the preservation of heritage values as individuals migrated further away from home, where their cultures are minorities. This study examined a particular group of individuals who migrated to the United States for educational purposes and explored whether being in an English-dominant speaking environment negatively impacts the individual’s attitude regarding their heritage language and culture. Additionally, this study investigated the role of perceived linguistic capital and multilingual non-native English speaker students’ language experiences while navigating in an English-dominant speaking context, specifically in higher education campuses. In the current study, a total of 55 international students at St. Lawrence University participated in an online Qualtrics survey answering questions about their personal perceptions regarding their heritage language (HL) and English (EN), as well as their experiences of language discrimination, if any. Based on the study findings, researchers aim to generate future implications for creating an equitable learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds, which promotes effective convertibility of social and cultural capital into economic capital and vice versa.

Keywords: multilingualism, heritage language, linguistic capital, intergenerational transmission of language, international student, higher education

Abstract:

Bog lakes within the Adirondack Mountains offer an opportunity to examine unique environments that differ from fish-containing lakes in the Adirondacks due to lower dissolved oxygen concentrations, higher bacterial counts, and higher dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Sevey's Bog is an acidic bog that lacks fish but is home to many aquatic species, including microorganisms. The study's objective is to collect and analyze samples from the bog to determine the community of planktonic microorganisms. The techniques included differential filtration of water samples using 8.0um and 0.2um membrane filters in a peristaltic pump system to collect different size classes of microorganisms from water samples collected in the fall of 2022. Once the microorganisms were collected from the water samples, DNA was extracted from the membrane filters using the Qiagen DNeasy PowerWater Kit. The DNA was then quantified and verified ensuring that it can be amplified using PCR. The DNA was sent to Psomagen, Inc. for amplicon sequencing to amplify the V3 and V4 regions of the 16SrRNA gene. The sequenced files will then be run through a series of data analysis programs to help identify the Bacteria within Sevey’s Bog. Identifying the microorganisms within the bog will help in. understanding the food web in the bog and the potential food source for the abundant and large copepod Aglaodiaptomus leptopus, a species that appears to be exclusive to fishless bog lakes.

Abstract:

As globally rising temperatures continue to lower water reservoir levels, thereby increasing the proportion of the population facing water shortages, more research has begun to focus on atmospheric water generators (AWGs) as an energy-efficient solution. AWGs collect water from the atmosphere by providing a surface, often a metal sheet, that is cold enough to promote condensation. Many systems use thermoelectric coolers, small devices that produce a temperature differential when supplied with an electrical current, to achieve a sufficient temperature drop. However, these low-power devices remain limited in practicality, as water production is often too low to sustain an individual or household. Here, I show multiple parameters that can be optimized to create more efficient AWGs. By generating cooling curves for different sheets, I produced a model of the relationship between non-insulated surface area and the maximum temperature differential inducible by thermoelectric cooling, which allows for sheet size optimization. Additionally, I find evidence that ridges along a condensation sheet can increase the rate of water collection by increasing surface area and promoting water channeling. To build off this study, future research could investigate the scalability of the cooling system, in terms of both condensation sheet area and number of thermoelectric cooler modules, to potentially broaden the scope of AWG applications. Furthermore, researchers could continue to create models for water collection based on parameters such as ridge depth or angle, temperature differential, ambient temperature, or atmospheric humidity levels.

Abstract:

Because exact chemical compositions cannot be patented, imitations of high-end fragrances can be produced with the use of basic analytical equipment easily and legally. Through reverse engineering, companies can identify components of an expensive perfume or cologne and synthesize a product with a similar scent in order to market it as a ‘dupe’ and make a profit. However, these mimics are often not as long-lasting and can have decreased detectability in our olfactory receptors. Here, identification and quantification of chemical components in Black Opium Eau de Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent was approached through the use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Select components from the original fragrance were combined with chemicals of similar scent profiles with the objective of imitating Black Opium. The ability to create mimics with cheaper, simpler, or environmentally-friendlier lists of ingredients without compromising the quality of the scent would expand opportunities in the industry of imitation fragrance production. Quality of these imitations was compared to the target fragrance through a series of evaluations of volatility and scent similarity.

Abstract:

Sport and exercise psychologists have been increasingly interested in what makes a person feel better while exercising, as positive feelings lead to greater exercise adherence. Overall, higher intensity workouts generally lead people to feel more discomfort, while lower intensity workouts are more enjoyable. However, Zenko et al. (2016) found that, by decreasing the intensity of a workout over time, people can reap the benefits of a high intensity workout while still enjoying it. This intervention is most effective with sedentary populations, as their feeling state depends directly on the intensity of the workout. For more athletic populations, though, Stuntz et al. (2020) examined how athletes may show a more positive response to workouts with increasing intensity, in large part because progressively more difficult workouts lead athletes to feel more accomplished. The current study extended past research by using a sample of both more- and less-active people. The researchers recruited undergraduate students at St. Lawrence to complete ten one-minute exercise segments. Half the participants started the workout at maximal exertion and decreased their exertion in a linear fashion (i.e. decreasing intensity group), while the other half started at minimal exertion and increased their exertion in a linear fashion (i.e. increasing intensity group). Data related to the participants’ perceived physical exertion, feeling state, feelings of accomplishment, exercise identity, and perceived sport competence were collected. It was hypothesized that the participants’ exercise identity (i.e., how much they identify as exercisers) would moderate the relationship between change in exertion and change in feeling state. Participants with a higher exercise identity, as compared to those with a lower exercise identity, were hypothesized be more likely to interpret increasingly hard work as an indicator of increasing accomplishment as hard work will help them reach their exercise goals; in turn, increases in accomplishment would increase their enjoyment during exercise. In contrast, individuals with a lower exercise identity would be more likely to focus on the increasingly uncomfortable bodily feelings that accompany increases in hard work and instead show decreases in enjoyment during exercise. Analyses of the data are currently in progress, and no conclusions have been drawn yet.

Abstract:

While childhood health habits usually have a lasting effect into adulthood, they may become altered through exposure to new experiences. This research relates past factors, specifically in the childhood life phase, to the current motivations for oral health habits amongst St. Lawrence University students. A 25-question survey was administered and gathered 101 respondents. The responses displayed a strong correlation between childhood community and current frequency of tooth brushing (p = 0.00000005) and an association between childhood community and dental visits since starting college (p = 0.01). There was an increasing trend of agreement with the statement, “I take care of my teeth because of my …oral health,” followed by “…appearance,” followed by “…overall health.” This revealed that the greatest motive behind the respondents’ oral hygiene habits is oral health. While parental education has been shown in the literature to be an influential factor, it was not statistically significantly associated with any oral hygiene habits or motives in this study. By characterizing the oral health and hygiene practices of the St. Lawrence University student population, we have gained insight into how entering into adulthood influences the key motives behind practicing proper oral care and the extent to which childhood factors are still relevant elements with lasting effects on current practices.

Abstract:

Thanks to the Gregg and Campy Asplundh Award for International Studies I was able to travel to Naples to explore the renaissance art world and the cuisine world. This poster will display my wonderful expadition to the port city where I observed a fusion of modern culture and Renaissance culture art in Naples, but ultimately concluded that the city remains having a classical feel in terms of art, architecture, and traditional foods.

I will discuss my visits to a multitude of museums and food dives that I had planned on going, but also was guided with the help of my local hosts. This time in Southern Italy allowed me to experience a culture that I would have never before and am forever thankful for my time in Naples.

Abstract:

Artsakh is a place in the far eastern part of the Armenian highlands, next to Armenia proper. Today, the region is recognized as part of the country Azerbaijan’s territory, but was mostly inhabited by Armenians for centuries. Armenians in the region have controlled the territory since 1991, thus creating the de-facto Republic of Artsakh. On September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan launched a war against them, leading to thousands of deaths and around 100,000 people to be displaced. In order to understand what these communities experienced and are currently experiencing today, I spoke to activists in Armenia who support those who experience war and displaced people. Through my research, I have learned how permanent the structures of war and displacement are for people who have experienced multiple traumatic events that are on-going, despite the official war ending. These forces cause complex trauma and community rebuilding for generations to come with impacts ranging from health, identity, relationship to the world and space, and perception of time. These communities’ reality, experiences of trauma, and need for multitudes of community healing, care, and support must be acknowledged in more scholarship and media, rather than portraying war outside of Europe and the U.S. region as normal and inherent.

Abstract:

Combating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in War Veterans in the United States

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in war veterans poses a serious problem in the United States. Among the general population in the U.S., about 7 percent will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. However, in multiple studies that examine the prevalence of PTSD in U.S war veterans, that number reaches as high as 34 percent, almost a 500 percent disparity. Veterans also account for roughly a quarter of suicides in the United States. There are many ways to treat PTSD, such as Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), pharmacotherapy, second-line therapy, and numerous other therapies. Many of these options involve long waitlists, however, and they are not consistently supported by convincing empirical evidence. The current research reviews available options, concluding that two of the best solutions to combat PTSD for all veterans are Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). The task facing mental health providers, therefore, is making sure all veterans who need treatment have access to these therapies.

Abstract:

In 2022, the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) was listed on the IUCN Red List as Endangered. Monarchs are important focal species for restoration efforts for all pollinator conservation. A leading cause in the Monarch population decline is habitat loss, in large part due to the decline of the species obligate host and use of milkweed (Asclepias genus) for much of their life cycle. In Canton, NY, we are at the northern reaches of the Eastern migratory population’s range where the generation of Monarchs that will migrate all the way back to Mexico are hatched. Our research is to determine if milkweed seed collection can be a simple and successful approach to monarch habitat restoration for members of the community. We have started with a threefold experiment to lay the groundwork for further research. This experiment looks at seeding milkweed in natural habitats, or head-starting in garden beds and within a greenhouse. Citizen science and community engagement are the focus for monitoring local monarchs. Our community efforts aim to foster engagement through an iNaturalist project, a public and comprehensive Survey123 for anyone to monitor monarchs and milkweed, collaboration with Nature Up North, and an interpretive sign at the Living Lab along the university’s Saddlemire Trail. We aim to keep this project growing into the future through encouraging student research projects and class engagement through labs. Milkweed can be a valuable community resource in other facets of life as we have seen through interacting with university staff who have utilized it for their own projects and classes. This has created a need for more insight from possible local and indigenous knowledge and uses to foster greater and more valuable community engagement. For the Monarchs in and around Canton and the campus, we recommend increasing no-mow zones to allow for stronger milkweed populations to thrive.

Abstract:

My project broadly aims to look at the portrayal and perception of mental health in French literature. I did this via the lens of Françoise Sagan’s novels which feature the suicide of a main character, as well as research on mental health in France gathered from various libraries throughout the country of France – including Rennes, Bordeaux, and Paris. The research explored the development of the definition of mental health in the nation, psychiatric treatment, discrimination and stereotypes, and literary criticism on Sagan and her novel.

The final product was an essay entitled "The suicide of the social idealist in the face of reality: Repression, adultery and 'the leash' in the novels of Françoise Sagan." The essay interweaves my travel research with my literary analysis of Sagan’s novels, discussing the cause of the characters' suicides and how they are rooted in the impacts of toxic relationships, societal judgements, and the detrimental consequences of repression on people’s psyches.

Abstract:

The northern coast of Jamaica is dotted with numerous shallow-water lagoons that are separated from the Caribbean Sea by a relatively narrow barrier reef system. These lagoons and reefs form a unique ecological and geological system, the details of which are still poorly known. The purpose of this research was to create a habitat map, and identify the dominant sediment types and biota of the Flamingo Beach, a very shallow (<2 m) lagoon in Greenwood, northern Jamaica. Fieldwork included detailed measurements of water depth (every 10 m), description of biota, and identification of major habitats and sediment (substrate) types; sand samples were collected every 100 meters. The work was done along three shoreline-to- reef crest transects; each transect was 100-200 m long with 150 meters between transects. Bathymetric maps, bathymetric profiles, and habitat maps were subsequently constructed based on field observations. The eastern, more protected, and shallower part of the lagoon is dominated by a dense seagrass meadow from the shoreline to ~150 m towards the reef flat. This habitat, which contains abundant green algae Halimeda and Penicillus, also encompasses sparse seagrasses with sand patches with common gastropods and sea anemones at 20-40 meters from the shoreline. The boundary between seagrass meadows and the reef flat is sharp, and the reef flat is densely covered with fire corals. The western, less protected, and deeper (up to 2 m) part of the study area has rocky bottom near the shoreline. The rocky bottom transitions into sparse seagrass at 10 meters from the shoreline, whereas at 40 meters the sea floor is a skeletal sandy shoal, with little observed other than sand likely due to a strong westward flowing longshore current. The study illustrates the importance of water depth, and wave and current energy on the distribution of shallow-marine habitats, and the results may potentially be applicable to similar modern environments as well as their ancient counterparts.

Abstract:

The article “Power, Politics, and Plebeians in Shakespeare’s Roman and Greek Plays” analyzes the role of the common people in gaining and maintaining control over a state. Numerous scholars have analyzed and written about the political atmosphere in Shakespeare’s Roman and Greek works; however, scholars have typically neglected the common peoples’ role in determining the stability of a state. Because of this neglect, I seek to highlight the unique impact the common people have on the governments in these plays using a novel critical lens based on the ideologies found in Machiavelli’s Prince, King James I’s Trew Law of Free Monarchies, and Karl Marx’s Communist Manifesto. Through my research, I discovered that it is the common peoples’ level of satisfaction with their rulers that often determines the stability, or lack thereof, a state experiences. The ruling class cannot maintain a politically secure state without the support of the common people because the common people have the numbers to either force a change in government or, if a government cannot be changed, to create constant unrest. My discoveries based on this research are important to understand because they are applicable to nearly all societies today whether a society's government is elected, established through a coup, or established through primogeniture. Because of my research's nearly universal relevance, I believe that my article will encourage its readers to look more critically at their respective states, nations, and communities and help them to understand that when individuals are organized with a common goal, for better or for worse, they hold tremendous power.