Name:                            Madison Batlzly
Addtl. Contributors:     N/A  
Mentor:                         Julia Halo, PhD.    
University:                    BGSU

Short Interspersed Nuclear Elements (SINEs) are transposons that move within the genome of a mammalian host via a ‘copy and paste’ mechanism of an RNA intermediate, called retrotransposition, resulting in the intracellular amplification of existing copies. SINEs are nonautonomous, meaning they are not able to replicate alone themselves, but instead rely on their partner retrotransposon of the Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements (LINEs) to provide the enzymatic machinery for retrotransposition. As parasites of LINE elements’ machinery, SINEs are widespread and highly abundant in the vast majority of mammalian genomes. SINEs originate from host-encoded cellular RNAs that have included 7SL RNA, tRNA, 5S RNA, and a few others. 7SL-derived SINEs originate from a specific derivative of the RNA component of the mammalian cellular Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) and adopt its 7SL RNA folding structures and protein binding partners. These 7SL-derived SINEs are able to bind to the interface between the small and large ribosomal subunit, halt translation, and hijack the enzymatic machinery, assuring efficient retrotransposition. The SINE derivative therefore is able to directly access the ribosome, facilitating the means to hijack LINE's enzymatic activities as translated on the ribosome. 7SL SINE RNA structures, particularly the human Alu and murine B1 elements, have been well studied in terms of retrotransposition. However, little is known about tRNA-derived SINE structures and how their folding patterns and structures influence retrotransposition. Elements of the B1 7SL-derived SINEs have lost most of their retrotransposition capacity due to a mutation at position 24 of the SINE RNA involved in SRP-host protein binding and docking on the ribosome. B2 is a tRNA-derived SINE that, surprisingly, has retained the ability to retrotranspose at relatively robust levels. B2 was not suspected to retrotranspose as well as B1 because scientists are not aware of any ribosome binding tactics B2 utilizes. Using genomic mouse DNA, B1 and B2 SINEs were isolated to study their sequences and retrotransposition efficiency. This research focuses on the scholarly questions of i.) what structural variation in B1 and B2 SINE retroelements aid in the mobilization from the nucleus to the ribosome; ii.) will these structural variations assist in increased or decreased retrotransposition; and iii.) seeks to assess tRNA-derived SINE activities from the cytoplasm to the ribosome by measuring the retrotransposition capacity of individual SINE structures.

Name:                            Eleanor Behling
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Jill Zeilstra-Ryalls, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The CDC has classified antibiotic resistance as the biggest health challenge of our era; every year 2 million lives are impacted and even lost due to resistant bacteria. Bacteriophages provide an alternative route to fighting infections that does not further the development of antibiotic resistance among bacterial species. A bacteriophage replicates inside a bacterial cell and then causes that cell to lyse, an event that kills the bacterial host. Bacteriophage therapy was first pioneered in the treatment of dysentery by Felix d’Herelle as early as 1915. Since d’Herelle’s initial excursion into medicinal use of bacteriophage, more work has been done in the categorization and discovery of new clusters and strains of phage. The HHMI SEA-PHAGES program has generated a collection of bacteriophage that infect Actinobacteria species. Over 13,000 phages have been collected thus far; however, fewer than 3,000 have been sequenced and genetically analyzed. The purpose of research into the lysogeny of discovered, but unsequenced, bacteriophage is to classify them by immunity range. In determining immunity range these ambiguous phage can be related to those that have been studied in depth. Initially, a lysogen had to be isolated. A lysogen is a bacterium in which a phage has integrated without causing host lysis. For Pita2, a phage isolated and analyzed at Bowling Green State University, the host to be infected is Mycobacterium smegmatis. After plating bacterial cells with Pita2, the plate holds potential lysogenic samples, those bacteria not lysed by the phage infection. The purified lysogen of Pita2 was analyzed against bacteriophages with known DNA sequences to determine a range of immunity; this range was then used to analyze unknown bacteriophages. The final step of this project, PCR deconvolution of phage DNA, was interrupted but nevertheless yields information about bacteriophage-mediated immunity.

Name:                            Eleanor Behling
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Ray Larsen, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) species often colonize the lungs of individuals with Cystic Fibrosis, a disorder that causes fluid accumulation in pockets of the lungs. These species have become multi-drug resistant in recent years and as such the need for other treatment methods has grown. One possible method of treatment is bacteriophage therapy. Bacteriophage are viruses that can infect and subsequently kill bacteria. As antibiotics lose their effectiveness against human pathogens, including BCC species, phage therapy is a promising method of combating bacterial invaders. The bacteriophage isolated in this experiment may prove to be a stepping stone in building a database of characterized viruses that can be used clinically. The goal in isolating novel BCC bacteriophage is to provide a new solution to Burkholderia infections and increase the scientific community’s understanding of the viruses that colonize human pathogens. Expanding the bacteriophage options for treating pathogenic infections not only allows medicine to skirt the antibiotic resistance crisis, but through studying the mechanisms of phage infection more can be learned about the pathogens themselves. The objective of this research venture is to isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage on the host Burkholderia thailandensis.

Name:                            Meghan Boomer
Addtl. Contributors:     Morgan Steltz, Amy Schultheiss  
Mentor:                         Vipaporn Phuntumart, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Researchers have been looking into the potential of using bacteriophage therapy to treat bacterial infections in individuals diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a disease that causes the body to produce a thick mucus which can obstruct the lungs. Cystic fibrosis also makes it so that individuals who have the disease are very susceptible to a variety of bacterial infections. Mycobacterium abscessus has been emerging as a deadly pathogen among those diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, increasing both mortality and morbidity rates. Mycobacterium abscessus therapy takes years to complete and can negatively affect the lung functionality. Recently, it was reported that a 15-year-old with cystic fibrosis with a Mycobacterium abscessus infection received an intravenous phage treatment that consisted of a genetically engineered phage mixture that optimized the lytic activity of the phage. This leads us to hypothesize bacteriophage Adriana, which is being annotated in the SEA-PHAGE lab at Bowling Green State University, could potentially be used for treatment of Mycobacterium infections in cystic fibrosis patients. A comparison of the lytic genes in the previously mentioned phage therapies and the lytic genes of Adriana will be presented and could predict Adriana’s effectiveness in phage therapy in cystic fibrosis patients.

Name:                            Raghad Buqalleh
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Wissam AbouAlaiwi, PhD    
University:                    University of Toledo

Primary endothelial cilia are mechanosensory organelles that are projected into the lumen of blood vessels and kidney tubules. Defects in cilia assembly or function can lead to multiple human pathologies, including hypertension in Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, is implicated in essential hypertension in humans. It has been demonstrated that vascular endothelia require primary cilia to sense and transmit external mechanical stimuli into internal biochemical reactions. One of these reactions includes the biosynthesis and release of nitric oxide, which is one of the most potent endogenous vasodilators. Though both primary cilia and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors play important roles in hypertension, their relationship has never been explored. To determine the roles of the cholinergic system and mechanosensory cilia, we studied the effects of acetylcholine receptor modulators on ciliary length and function in wild-type (WT) and mechano-insensitive cilia mutant endothelial cells (Pkd1−/− and Tg737orpk/orpk). Studies from our lab showed for the first time that mouse vascular endothelia exhibit muscarinic receptor-type 1, 3 and 5 (AChM1, 3, and 5R), which co-localizes to primary endothelial cilia. AChM3R activation significantly increases cilia length in cells treated with AChM3R agonist compared to non-treated cells. Furthermore, the chemosensory function of cilia can alter the mechanosensory function through changes in sensitivity to fluid-shear stress. We propose that activated ciliary AChM3R has a functional mechanosensory role in endothelial cells. We propose in the current study that AChM3R antagonist will have the opposite effect and shorten cilia length. This could also diminish cilia sensory function in response to NO production.

Name:                            Ellen Davis
Addtl. Contributors:     Madelyn Merchant, Kara Dishon  
Mentor:                         Vipaporn Phuntumart, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The bacteriophage Adriana, was isolated using the bacterial host Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 in the year 2019. Adriana is a lytic phage and a member of the subcluster B1, which lyse host bacterial cells of the genus Mycobacterium. Escherichi Coli is a Gram- negative bacterium that lives in the lower intestinal tract of certain warmblooded animals, including humans (Jang et al 1). While some strains of E. Coli are a part of a normal intestinal microbiome, others are pathogenic and have the potential to be fatal to humans (Lim et al 2). A study conducted in 2018 noted that Mycobacterium smegmatis is more comparable in volume, ribosome number, and ribosomal density to E. Coli then it is to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis of its own genus (Yamada et al 4). These similarities lead us to believe that Adriana may be effective in lysing E. Coli bacterial cells. Adriana is a tailed phage, and therefore, annotations will likely prove that Adriana contains genes that code for the functional proteins holin and endolysin. Holin makes a hole in the bacterial cell membrane to release the phage progeny, and endolysins help to disrupt the bacterial cell wall after the completion of the lytic cycle. This research works to compare the manual annotations of Adriana and it’s functional proteins to the properties of E. Coli to see if Adriana could be effective in promoting the breakdown of the bacterial cell wall of E. Coli.

Name:                            Kelsey Dietrich
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Maria Bidart, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

College students are exposed to numerous stressors that may inhibit wellbeing. Mindfulness reduces the body’s default to intense sympathetic nervous system responses. This study examines the implications for students enrolled in a semester-long mindfulness course offered during the 2018/2019 academic year at Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, Ohio). The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire was distributed to students, and blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate were measured. Statistical analyses (ANOVAs) indicate there was a decrease in respiration rate for both trials and heart rate for trial 2 (P < 0.05). The facets of non-react and observe increased for both trials while act aware (both trials) and non-judge (trial 2) decreased, respectively (P < 0.05). These results suggest that mindfulness meditation had some positive implications for students who took this course. Recommendations are offered for future studies to further examine the implications of mindfulness meditation practices maintained by college students.

Name:                            Kelsey Dietrich
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Maria Bidart, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Fifty-nine college females were randomly assigned to complete a yoga class located either indoors or outdoors during summer 2019. Statistical analyses (ANOVAs) indicated that respiration rate, heart rate, and negative affect scores significantly decreased after the yoga class in both environments. Additionally, negative affect was significantly lower outdoors compared to the indoor group.

Name:                            Noah Dubasik
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Jill Zeilstra-Ryalls, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals having properties that make them useful in a wide variety of applications, ranging from the production of everyday products to aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics industries. However, they are also extremely resistant to degradation and so persist in the environment. Moreover, they are bioaccumulative. Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects. But there is no description to date as to how these chemicals cause disease. Bacteria have long been used as experimental models to study human disease. Not only has this method been successful historically, it is also much safer and more cost-effective than working with humans directly. This project uses Rhodobacter sphaeroides, a well-studied Gram-negative bacterium, as a model to identify molecular targets of PFAS. Using genetic selections and genomic sequencing a set of genes have been identified, several of which are also present in humans. Evaluating these genes is a multi-step process that involves (i) cloning a copy of the gene from a mutant strain of R. sphaeroides into wild-type R. sphaeroides using transformation and conjugation, and (ii) exposing these newly generated exconjugants to the chemicals in order to determine whether sensitivity correlates with the presence of the cloned gene.

Name:                            Kristina Gara
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Raymond Larson, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The Tol system plays a key role in protecting gram-negative cells against environmental toxins. The central protein in this system is TolA, which couples the energy derived at the inner, cytoplasmic membrane to proteins in the outer membrane that play roles in maintaining its barrier function. TolA protein serves as a target that certain toxic bacterial proteins, termed “colicins,” and filamentous bacteriophage use to enter the cell. Previous studies had identified TolA as a co-receptor for filamentous enveloped single-stranded DNA bacteriophage that first dock to pilus structures in E. coli and Vibrio cholerae. Working with enveloped single-stranded DNA bacteriophage presents technical challenges that the Larsen lab is not equipped for; however, the lab does do extensive work with non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA bacteriophage from a range of bacterial hosts. I tested over 60 bacteriophages from the lab against an E. coli mutant that contained a deletion of the tolA gene, and identified three bacteriophage that were capable of infecting a wild-type E. coli strain, but not the tolA deletion strain (ΔtolA). From there, I isolated and amplified one of these phage with the intention of identifying the TolA binding site through a series of point mutations to the TolA gene in our E.coli host.

Name:                            Abigail Liddy
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Vipaporn Phuntumart, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacterial host cells. Phages can be lysogenic, incorporating their own genetic material into the host cell, or lytic, resulting in destruction of the host cell. Cyanophages are phages that infect cyanobacteria, which can release the toxins found in harmful algae blooms. These blooms can harm wildlife, disrupt ecosystems, and make water sources undrinkable, encouraging research into cyanobacteria and the means to prevent harmful algae blooms. This study focuses on whether or not the mycobacteriophage Adriana (family Siphoviridae) has the potential to be used similarly to other cyanophages to infect and lyse cyanobacteria. We compared physical and genetic characteristics of Adriana and a cyanosiphovirus. Bioinformatics analysis using DNA Master, PhageDB, Phamerator, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) will be present. This information is useful because the comparative analysis provided a way to determine Adriana’s potential effectiveness without consuming considerable time and resources. A background of cyanophage characteristics was also developed, which may be utilized in the future to observe how useful a phage may be against cyanobacteria.

Name:                            Katherine Marita
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                          Jill Zeilstra Ryalls, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The goal of this project was to investigate the potential to develop Rhodobacter sphaeroides bacteriophage ɸRsG1.1 as a transduction tool for bacterial genome manipulation. Temperate phage, such as ɸRsG1.1, can carry out both lytic and lysogenic infection cycles, the latter of which involves integrating their own phage genome into the host DNA sequence where it is replicated as the bacteria divide. Molecular biology extensively uses temperate phage in transduction, whereby phage DNA and, on occasion by process imprecision, host DNA is excised from the host and packaged into infectious phage particles. Those phage having host DNA can infect new cells and thereby “transduce” that DNA into the host where it can become part of the chromosome. ɸRsG1.1 was sequenced and annotated to reveal the presence of genes required for lysogeny within the phage genome. During the course of this work, the original host strain used to isolate the phage was also sequenced. Interestingly, some of the phage genes are also present in the host genome. In addition, host range data and structural information through transmission electron microscopy imaging were obtained for ɸRsG1.1. These findings provide avenues that can now be pursued toward gathering the necessary information about the sequence and biology of the only temperate phage that has been isolated for R. sphaeroides, making ɸRsG1.1 currently the only phage with the potential to be developed as a transducing agent.

Name:                            Donovan Roberts
Addtl. Contributors:     Connor McHugh, Lanlie Nguyen  
Mentor:                         Vipaporn Phuntumart, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a Mycobacterium phage Adriana could be used in the treatment of infections caused by Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These bacteria are responsible for many deaths each year, and treatment with traditional antibiotics is becoming ineffective. Previous studies found that phage TM4 successfully infected and lysed these bacteria. This research focuses on the comparison of genes associated with lytic phage of bacteriophages TM4 and Adriana to conclude the possible effectiveness of Adriana’s use in treating infection caused by Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Specifically, this study examines genes associated with phage adsorption, penetration, and lysis of these two pathogenic Mycobacteria. Bioinformatic analysis using DNA Master, PhagesDB, Phamerator, HHpred and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), will be performed. The results will be presented to further determine Adriana’s effectiveness in treating Mycobacterium infections.

Name:                            Evan Smith
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                          Jeffrey Miner, PhD     
University:                    BGSU

We extracted sagitta otoliths from Northern Pike, which were collected from Lake Erie wetlands, using standard methods. After extraction otoliths were embedded in a two-part epoxy, cut, and polished until annuli were visible. The annuli were then counted and used to back-calculate the age and length of the fish, using a linear regression. Most of the fish sampled were in the age class 4 to age class 6. The fish ranged in size from 357mm to 926mm. Also, males and females at age class 1 did not show much difference in size. When average yearly growth rates were compared from the fish sampled in Lake Erie to other lakes in Minnesota and circumpolar lakes, the Lake Erie fish showed a faster, more consistent growth rate.

Name:                            Ian Smith
Addtl. Contributors:     Chris Kasler  
Mentor:                         Katherine Krynak, PhD and Phillip Zoladz, PhD     
University:                    Ohio Northern University

Recent research has established a relationship between physiological responses to stress and the gut-associated microbiome and that changes in the makeup of the gut-microbiome may lead to anxiety-like symptomatology. However, work concerning how specific anxiety-related illnesses may influence the microbiome is limited. The purpose of this study was to observe changes in the gut-associated microbiome of Sprague-Dawley rats with induced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like symptomatology. We hypothesized that exposure to stress would lead to a significant change in the composition of the gut-microbiome. Male rats were exposed to a well-verified 31-day PTSD paradigm consisting of two exposures to a cat, separated by 10 days, and daily social instability. All rats underwent behavioral testing to assess anxiety-like behavior. DNA was extracted from fecal samples, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the 16S rRNA gene region of bacterial DNA, and terminal fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) analysis was used to assess differences in gut-microbiome composition across treatments. Stress increased anxiety-like behavior on the elevated plus maze (EPM), increased startle response, and decreased rearing behavior in the open field. PERMANOVA results suggest significant main and interactive effects of stress group and fecal sample collection timepoint on gut-microbiota composition.

Name:                            Hugh O'Neil
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                          Vipaporn Phuntumart, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Meningitis is a bacterial infection most commonly caused by different strands of the E. coli bacteria. Meningitis is extremely contagious and can affect a person’s spine, brain, along with other parts of the body. Meningitis is currently seen to be treated with the use of antibiotics, but antibiotics seem to be ineffective in some patients. Meningitis causing E. coli has seen to produce CTX-M-15 protein, which causes antibiotics to be ineffective in treatment against meningitis infections. CTX-M-15 proves to be detrimental due to the fact that it is among the most common ESBL producers, or a producer of antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this study is see if the bacteriophage Adriana can be used to combat ESBL producing bacteria in meningitis patients, in order to allow for antibiotic treatment to be effective against the infection. Adriana is a bacteriophage, a subcategory of viruses that can only lysate a bacterial cell. Adriana is classified in the B1 subcluster of bacteriophages as presented by the database of bacteriophages. The methods that will be used will be creating a phylogenetic tree of Adriana and the bacteriophages that have been used in previous ESBL studies. The phages will be annotated by using programs including DNA Master, NCBI blast, and HHPred. The results are not conclusive yet, but there have been no reported subcluster B1 bacteriophage identified to be effective in the past studies. Using bacteriophage therapy will diminish the rate as to antibiotic resistance is formulated in a clinical setting for a multitude of patients, including those who have suffered from meningitis and sepsis.

Name:                            Mackenna Starr
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Vipaporn Phuntumart, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Buruli ulcers (BU) are a result of the bacterial infection Mycobacterium ulcerans. It is the third most common mycobacterial disease, and although it is rare, it is hard to treat or prevent. The use of mycobacteriophage therapy for the treatment of BU is being studied as a potential replacement for current care plans. Previous studies have demonstrated that the mycobacteriophage lipolytic enzyme Lysin B can be effective at degrading the complex mycolyl-arabinogalactan-peptidoglycan in the cell wall of M. ulcerans. The mycobacteriophage Adriana is a member of the B1 subcluster and was cultivated by the HHMI SEAPHAGES program at Bowling Green State University. The purpose of this study is to determine if Adriana contains the necessary enzymes to be useful in treatment of M. ulcerans. These properties will be investigated by comparing Adriana’s genome to the genome of a phage that has proven successful in treating M. ulcerans. The results have not been determined yet, but initial research has been started. If Adriana’s genome compares positively, then there lies potential for further research on M. ulcerans treatment in humans. If it does not compare positively, there may still be potential for research of Adriana for treatment or prophylaxis of other bacteria.

Name:                            Kelsi Wygant
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Louise Stevenson, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Dredge materials contain loads of organic matter which leads to high soil fertility, it also has a high-water holding capacity, which makes using the material for agricultural purposes an interest of study. Instead of dumping the dredge materials taken from Lake Erie back in the lake, it could have a beneficial use in agriculture. The dredge material has beneficial characteristics as well as negative ones such as harmful metals or inorganics that could end up in the runoff or into the crops planted on the dredge material. Dredge material from Lake Erie has been placed on two fields to test its effects on planted corn, if contaminants will be absorbed by the corn, another small part of the research is if the contaminants from the dredge could end up in the ground/surface water and back to Lake Erie. To create an artificial rain event to test the contaminants within the runoff, nine five-gallon buckets, with a whole and mesh lining the bottom, were filled with dredge. three buckets had dredge from the first field, three with dredge from the second field, and three with control dirt from another local field. There were six runoff events where 1.3L of artificial rainwater was spread on each bucket of dredge. Beakers were placed under each bucket to collect the runoff, which was placed in Erlenmeyer flasks and stored until samples were sent off to be analyzed. Nutrient data are the only results we have gotten back and will be presented in the poster.

Name:                            Chandler Arnold
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Alexander Tarnovsky, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Studies on exciton migration and charge transfer in nucleic acids are important for understanding the mechanisms and paths of photochemical reactions leading to mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. The identification of the mechanisms, efficiencies, rate constants and localization sites for energy migration and charge transport in cytosine (C) polymers has received much less attention in previous studies in comparison to thymine (T), guanine (G), and adenine (A) DNA components. Determining the very initial photo processes that lead to photochemical lesions followed by carcinogenesis will contribute towards a better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance to photodamage caused by the UV radiation and the ways of desensibilization of harmful effects caused by UV radiation at a molecular level. As the first step towards investigating cytosine polymers, we re-visited the ultrafast photophysics and photochemistry of cytosine monomers. It is known that cytosine parts of the DNA can easily make double helix through non-canonical pairing mediated by protons, which causes formation of hairpins, duplexes and i-motif structures for both short and long oligonucleotides.This allows controlling DNA conformation in homo oligonucleotide solutions and studying how the conformation impacts the excited-state properties. As the second step, our specific target is cytosine oligomers, i-motif fold of (dCp)10. This fold is formed via self-complexation as the result of base-stacking interactions under the conditions of mild pH.

Name:                            Ethan Gevedon
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Pavel Anzenbacher, PhD     
University:                    BGSU

Numerous biological processes rely on a phosphorylation and controlled hydrolysis of phosphates. Metabolism of sugars and lipids as well as nucleic acids are few examples that represent the most important roles of phosphate ions in living organisms. For this reason, sensors capable of distinguishing among phosphorylated species while providing clearly detectable signal output are important. The goal of this project is to develop supramolecular sensors for phosphate-type anions, capable of discriminating and quantifying phosphates such as dihydrogen phosphate, pyrophosphate (PPi), as well as nucleotide triphosphates, diphosphates and monophosphates as markers of metabolic processes.

Name:                            Samuel Powell
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Trilisa Perrine, PhD    
University:                    Ohio Northern University

The polymerization of lactones is a common method to produce polyesters, which have many applications in industry. However, achieving efficient polymerization with minimal byproducts and high molecular weight often requires a catalyst. Catalysts that have been used for the ring-opening polymerization of lactones include metal complexes, frustrated lewis pair catalysts, and some acid catalysts. Unfortunately, many of these suffer from toxicity and high costs. Recently, a series of anionic urea catalysts have been synthesized and used to successfully polymerize a series of lactones. These catalysts can achieve high conversions with narrow molecular weight distributions quickly and at room temperatures. We are computationally probing the reactive mechanism of these catalysts using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to understand what properties lead to successful polymerization. Herein, we present an analysis of the catalytic cycle for these catalysts and an analysis of electronic and steric differences between the catalysts and their effect on reactivity. We also propose new catalysts in this class based on the steric and electronic requirements discovered in this study. Lin, B.; Waymouth, R. M. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2017, 139, 1645-1652.

Name:                            Ashley Scheutzow
Addtl. Contributors:     Grace Siffer  
Mentor:                         Matthew Wohlever, PhD    
University:                    University of Toledo

Tail-anchored (TA) proteins are membrane proteins with a single transmembrane domain (TMD) at the very C-terminus of the protein. The unique topology of TA proteins requires post-translational insertion into membranes. When insertion fails, TA proteins must be quickly triaged to prevent the formation of potentially toxic aggregates. In collaboration with the Hegde Lab, we recently showed that ubiquilins are molecular chaperones that triage mitochondrial TA proteins. Humans have three widely expressed ubiquilins (UBQLN 1, 2 & 4). Ubiquilins are often enriched in the protein aggregates that characterize many neurodegenerative diseases, and ubiquilin mutants have been strongly associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. It was recently shown that UBQLN1 recruits an E3 ligase to facilitate the degradation of uninserted mitochondrial TA proteins. However, the identity of the E3 ligase is unknown. Similarly, it is unclear if UBQLN2 & UBQLN4 also recruit E3 ligases. We are using an in vitro translation system to test for E3 ligase recruitment by UBQLN2 and UBQLN4. We will then use pull downs and mass spectrometry to identify the E3 ligase(s) recruited by these ubiquilins.

Name:                            Andrew Meyer
Addtl. Contributors:     Quinton Currier  
Mentor:                         Sankardas Roy, PhD     
University:                    BGSU

Digital forensic tools are used for post-mortem investigation of cyber-crimes and cyber-attacks both in corporate and government organizations. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s Computer Forensics Tool Testing Program (CFTT) established standards for digital forensic tools to help determine the quality and integrity of such tools. The quality and integrity of these tools are especially important in judicial proceedings. Using a forensic tool that does not follow the standards may cause evidence to be thrown out in court cases (which are increasingly reliant on digital data). Consequently, incorrect results from a forensic tool can also lead improper prosecution of an innocent defendant. The focus of our research is about standardization of one class of forensic tools that are used for Deleted File Recovery (DFR).

Name:                            Jasper Tenga
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Sankardas Roy, PhD     
University:                    BGSU

File carving tools are used in the recovery of deleted files from digital devices. When law enforcement (e.g., FBI) seizes digital devices, analysts are interested in recovering deleted files from the devices. With many file carving tools available in the market, it is important to evaluate the tools based on NIST (National Institute of Standard and Technology) standards to make sure forensics artifacts are admissible in a court of law. The aim was to find out (1). Do the popular file carving tools (in the market) meet the NIST CFTT (Computer Forensic Tool Testing) standards? If not, which tool meets which part of the standard? What factors make the tools fail? (2). Are the free file carving tools more effective compared to the proprietary tools? The file carving tools were evaluated by generating different test cases which involved different file types and the deleting of files in different states. No tool was able to fully meet all the standards but some did perform better than others. Factors which made them fail were the signatures used by the tools to carve out the content. The proprietary tool wasn't more effective compared to the free tools. Therefore, meeting all NIST standards prove to be hard for the file carving tools to do and the solution might be to make the standards less strict or use an alternative way to recover deleted files.

Name:                            Olive Bartholemew
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Amanda McGuire-Rzicznek, PhD; Abhishek Bhati, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

With our world becoming increasingly globalized and cosmopolitan, practices that were once very traditional and spiritual are much different when they confront Western societies. Yoga instructors and practitioners around the world are concerned about the issue of cultural appropriation within their practice. I define cultural appropriation to mean the process of a dominant culture manipulating aspects of a marginalized culture for its benefit. Traditionally, yoga comes from India, but it has become popularized throughout the world in our recent human history. Through interviews with ten different yoga instructors, each from different yogic traditions, who teach in a variety of Western cultures, I draw a conclusion about whether or in what ways Western yoga is cultural appropriation of traditional yoga. Given these instructors’ vast backgrounds and experiences with yoga and their relationships to India, I also incorporate the limited published research already available on this issue. I offer suggestions for how those who practice yoga in Western societies can try to reduce signs of cultural appropriation. By evaluating cosmopolitan, historical, and sociological perspectives on this issue, I will be able to offer an informed interdisciplinary conclusion about the cultural appropriation involved in contemporary yoga practices.

Name:                            Elizabeth Farren
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Jay Jones    
University:                    BGSU

In the detective fiction genre, Nancy Drew is one of its most iconic sleuths, as she is cleverly named the “girl detective.” Originally created in 1930, Nancy Drew served as an inspirational figure for young girls and women across generations, as her intelligence and resourcefulness allowed her to challenge traditional gender roles for women as well as solve complicated mysteries. With the rise of the women’s rights movement and in the 1960s, many aspired to attain Nancy Drew’s independence and subvert the patriarchy, breaking the glass ceiling that held them down in the role of the submissive housewife. The second wave feminist perspective, however, was that all women experience sexism in the same ways, falsely equating the middle-class white women’s experience to that of minorities and the working class. Despite being labeled a feminist icon, role model, and having the series adapted into comic books, movies, and television shows, the original Nancy Drew exhibits character flaws that make her controversial. “Nancy Drew: A Feminist Icon or a Problematic Figure of the Patriarchy and White Privilege” critiques why Nancy Drew is considered a feminist, and examines how unacknowledged elements of racism, classism, and traditional notions of femininity are problematic and prevent her from being a fully feminist character. This type of character analysis focusing on diversity is key to the ongoing discussion on campus and abroad about inclusion and gender in literature, film, and television.

Name:                            Jason George
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Scott Martin, PhD; Lara Martin-Lengel, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Costa Rica is a frontier nation that began as a colony much like America, but its development is radically different. Internationally, Costa Rica’s national parks have a reputation as equatorial paradises to which people can flock to for an interesting getaway. The incredible biodiversity and natural beauty which Costa Rica harbor have been maintained despite development in the relatively small country. The popularity of ecotourism in Costa Rica may be one explanation of their commitment to restoration and conservation. However, its unlikely ecotourism started their trend effective conservation and restoration policies since they had to recover from a period of major deforestation in the mid 1900s to reach the reputation they now have as a major site of ecotourism. What then put Costa Rica onto a path committed to restoring and maintaining their ecosystems? By combining analysis of policy goals and implementations across the various regions of Costa Rica with first hand testimonies from people involved in and affected by reforestation efforts I’ll be able to construct a clear image about how Costa Rican’s view their relationship to their environment and what compromises they are willing to make to support ecosystem health. Gaining an understanding of how their culture influences their environmental policy could be used as a framework on how to implement conservation and restoration policies in other regions of the world.

Name:                            Daniella Fedak-Lengel
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Justin Honhauser, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Abstract ​Building on preliminary field research in Costa Rica and Belize, this honors project will compare and contrast the success rates of environmental and endangered animal protection rights in Belize, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico, and assess the impact of veterinary science and biological research and practice, particularly conservation biology, on animal welfare concerns. The project will analyze the need new and innovative types of collaboration, particularly involving science, global trade, and technology experts is needed to save endangered and critically endangered species, not only in Central America and the Caribbean, but worldwide

Name:                            Maxwell Brickner
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Eric Mandell, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

By using game-based learning and other techniques to provide a more interactive experience in distance learning, educators have the potential to offer interactive experiences to hundreds of students in online distance courses. These experiences offer a real and tangible benefit beyond what is currently done with video calls and Learning Management Systems as it offers greater interactivity to each student and provides an element of gamification.

Name:                            Maxwell Brickner
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Eric Mandell, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Story based learning and game based learning are educational techniques that are finding increasing use in electronic learning environments. As institutions are moving to distance learning through electronic learning platforms to reach non-traditional students, potential first generation college students, and other demographics, the improvement of these techniques is critical to fostering a better learning experience that better prepares these students for further education and for the field.

Name:                            Abigail Collert
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Liangfeng Sun, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

In our project, we focused on the synthesis of PbS nanosheets. With current synthesis methods, the chemical yield is just under ten percent. Our project worked a method of improving the yield of nanosheets during our synthesis. This method involved using the supernatants for syntheses after the initial synthesis. This method is helpful for future research for the improvement of nanomaterial synthesis.

Name:                            Jordan Fox
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Liangfeng Sun, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

This project focused on the spectroscopic side of lead sulfide nanosheets. This project’s main goal is to gain a better understanding of the excitonic physics present in PbS nanosheets. Having a better understanding of the excitonic properties will allow for a more precise use in photovoltaics, optical communications, and other applications. We created the PbS nanosheets in our chemical lab using methods previously discovered. Once created we probed into the excitonic process by taking measurements of photoluminescence and absorption. We also confirmed the creation of nanosheets through transition electron microscope images and measured the lateral size with an x-ray powdered diffraction machine.

Name:                            Jordan Fox
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Liangfeng Sun, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

This project focused on finding the giant oscillator strength transition (GOST) of lead sulfide nanosheets. Finding the GOST of the PbS nanosheets will allow for more use in applications like light-emitting diodes and optical communications. Our lab synthesized PbS nanosheets using methods previously discovered. Once created, the nanosheets were then put through different methods of discovering the GOST. These methods included testing the lifetime in multiple ways. First was measured the lifetime after one day, the second was treating the nanosheets with trioctylphosphine and last we lowered the temperature of the nanosheet. After the lifetime was measured, we measured photoluminescence at low temperatures.

Name:                            Jordan Fox
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Liangfeng Sun, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

This project focused on creating highly efficient low-cost infrared light emitting diodes using synthesized lead sulfide nanosheets. Previously discovered synthetization methods allowed for the creation of these lead sulfide nanosheets. Once synthesized the nanosheets were placed on a commercial light emitting diode and had its optical properties measured. Creating these highly efficient low-cost infrared light emitting diodes will allow for applications in optical communication, remote sensing, and night vision.

Name:                            Jordan Fox
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Liangfeng Sun, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

This project focused on creating a new type of nanosheet called lead chloride nanosheet. Completion of this new nanosheet will allow for further study into the creation of nanosheets and possibly better quantum yields. In this project, we created lead chloride nanosheets using synthetization methods previously discovered. Once created the new nanosheets had their thickness, image, and optical properties gathered by using an x-ray powdered diffraction machine, transition electron microscope, and our optical lab respectively.

Name:                            Nathan Bostelman
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Verner Bingman, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Amblypygids (whip spiders) have only recently captured the attention of biologists and animal behavior researchers. These arachnids have demonstrated remarkable navigational skills that scientists have only recently begun to understand. Like other arachnids, amblypygids are an order of arthropods which, like other arachnids, have eight legs; however, they only use six legs for locomotion. Their front pair of legs have evolved to serve an antennae-like function, providing the animal with sensory information about their environment (Foelix and Hebets, 2001). These whip-like antenniform legs allow amblypygids to gather tactile and chemical cues from its surroundings ( Interestingly, these animals also show strong fidelity to a home shelter for extended periods of time, and although they leave these refuges to search for food at night, they successfully navigate through complex tropical and subtropical substrate and return home after each trip (Hebets, 2002). In field studies, whip spiders successfully navigate home after displacement of more than eight meters and often take irregular, non-linear paths home (Hebets et al., 2013). Although many arthropods display impressive navigation capabilities, most employ strategies such as path integration, which is difficult in complex, three dimensional environments like a rainforest understory. Additionally, in laboratory studies, Graving et al. (2017) showed that the whip spider species Phrynus marginemaculatus also show fidelity to an artificial shelter and take longer, often circuitous routes back home to their shelter compared to their outbound routes. This suggests that path integration is likely not a navigational mechanism that amblypygids employ to get back to their shelters. Recent research suggests that whip spiders' use of olfactory cues is essential to their impressive navigational abilities (Bingman et al., 2017). Indeed, Bingman et al. (2017) experimentally displaced subjects were often found on the trunks of non-home trees at night before returning home and hypothesized that "climbing trees could be a behavioral mechanism that facilitates detection of olfactory cues hypothetically useful for navigation" (Bingman et al., 2017). Whip spiders may climb trees in order to detect airborne odor plumes that originate at their home shelter. In order to make use of these plumes to successfully navigate, whip spiders must therefore display sensitivity to a scent gradient, recognizing that as they travel up an odor plume and toward its source, the odor becomes stronger. While this study failed to find significant differences in navigational abilities between animals exposed to a conditioned scent gradient and a control, encouraging trends were found, and further experimentation with improved wind tunnel design and more sophisticated data collection methods may yield significant results.

Name:                            Colin Del Valle
Addtl. Contributors:     Cassandra Goodman, Ian Smith, Kara Elmouhawesse, Jordan Dodson & Jocelyn Hepp   
Mentor:                         Phillip Zoladz, PhD    
University:                    Ohio Northern University

Few pharmacological agents effectively treat the array of symptoms involved in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed medication for PTSD, but they lead to remission rates of barely 50% and take weeks to months before producing symptom relief. Therefore, we examined the impact of ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that has rapid antidepressant effects, on PTSD-like symptom development in rats exposed to a predator-based psychosocial stress model of PTSD. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to psychosocial stress for 31 days. The psychosocial stress procedure involved two separate cat exposures and daily social instability. Immediately after the first cat exposure, rats were given intraperitoneal injections of ketamine (15 mg/kg) or vehicle. Three weeks following the second cat exposure, the rats were tested for symptoms of anxiety-like behavior on an elevated plus maze and in an open field; we also assessed rats’ hyperarousal by examining their baseline startle responses. Data collection is still in progress, but preliminary results suggest that ketamine reduced anxiety on the EPM and in the open field in psychosocially stressed males. These and the ensuing results in females will be discussed.

Name:                            Colin Del Valle
Addtl. Contributors:     Cassandra Goodman, Ian Smith, Kara Elmouhawesse, Jordan Dodson & Jocelyn Hepp   
Mentor:                         Phillip Zoladz, PhD    
University:                    Ohio Northern University

Traumatic events are frequently accompanied by alcohol use, and although some research has shown that alcohol increases intrusive memory formation in healthy subjects, limited work has examined the impact of alcohol on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover, there has been no work experimentally testing the influence of alcohol on PTSD-like symptoms in animal models. Thus, we examined the effects of alcohol on the development of PTSD-like symptoms in rats exposed to a predator-based model of traumatic stress. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were given intraperitoneal injections of alcohol (1.5 g/kg) or vehicle (water) 30 minutes before being exposed to an adult, female cat for 1 hr. One week later, the rats were tested for symptoms of anxiety-like behavior on an elevated plus maze and in an open field. We also assessed rats’ hyperarousal by examining their baseline startle responses. According to the results, males, but not females, that were treated with alcohol prior to stress displayed significantly greater anxiety and larger startle responses than rats treated with vehicle before stress. These findings suggest that peritraumatic alcohol ingestion could increase the risk of developing PTSD, at least in males.

Name:                            Colin Del Valle
Addtl. Contributors:     Cassandra Goodman, Ian Smith, Kara Elmouhawesse, Jordan Dodson & Jocelyn Hepp   
Mentor:                         Phillip Zoladz, PhD    
University:                    Ohio Northern University

People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibit numerous physiological alterations, including lower baseline cortisol levels, enhanced negative feedback of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increased noradrenergic activity, and reduced serotonergic activity. Male rats exposed to a predator-based psychosocial stress model of PTSD exhibit similar changes in HPA axis function and neurotransmission. Here, we examined whether similar effects would be observed in female rats exposed to this model. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a cat on two occasions, separated by 10 days, in conjunction with daily social instability. Three weeks following the second cat exposure, we examined rats’ anxiety-like behavior on an elevated plus maze (EPM), collected blood samples at baseline and following dexamethasone administration to quantify corticosterone levels, and extracted brains to quantify markers of noradrenergic and serotonergic activity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Stressed females did not exhibit heightened anxiety on the EPM, but, relative to controls, they displayed lower corticosterone levels and a greater suppression of corticosterone following dexamethasone administration. Stressed females also exhibited increased markers of noradrenergic activity in the dorsal hippocampus and PFC. These findings suggest that this model of PTSD may be useful for studying mechanisms underlying trauma-induced changes in female physiology.

Name:                            Brayden Green
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                          Jared Branch, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Why does time seem to speed up as we get older? It may be that novel events require encoding more information and are therefore experienced as longer in duration than non-novel events, for which we encode only the gist. As such, as we get older and have experienced similar events numerous times, time appears to be moving subjectively more quickly than when we were younger. In this study, we asked if the novelty of an event affects our perceived duration of that event. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. Participants in both conditions watched six video clips. In the control condition each video, including the target video, was displayed one time. In the experimental condition, the target clip was displayed three times, randomly interspersed with clips from the control condition. The duration of the clip was hidden from the participant and the screen automatically advanced after the clip had played. After viewing the clips, the participants made two judgments of how long the target video lasted and their confidence in their judgments. First, they indicated how long they felt the target video lasted in seconds. Next, they indicated how long they felt it lasted using a Likert scale (with “1” indicating it lasted for a very short amount of time and “7” indicating it lasted a very long amount of time). We discuss our findings in relation to the subjective perception of time.

Name:                            Freyja Hofler
Addtl. Contributors:     Kevin Wisniewski & Maliyah Ross  
Mentor:                         Dara Musher-Eizenman, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The purpose of this research study was to observe the possible interaction among our two variables, which included mental fatigue and perceived health of foods. The research question we aimed to answer was if mental fatigue had an influence on the perceived health of foods and if socioeconomic (SES) moderated this relationship in question. Our independent variables are the level of mental fatigue, as well as socioeconomic status to act as a moderator. We operationalized mental fatigue as being a sociobiological state caused by prolonged periods of demanding cognitive activity (Marcora et al, 2009). Our dependent variable is one’s perceived health of foods, experimental groups being divided by mentally fatigued and not mentally fatigued, as well as sub-sectioned off by high SES, middle SES, and low SES. We also analyzed demographic information such as age, gender, marital status, race/ethnicity, education, employment, etc. We hypothesized that participants who displayed mental fatigue would rate unhealthy foods as being healthy, more so than participants who are not mentally fatigued.

Name:                            Adreanna Klepec
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Michael Zickar, PhD     
University:                    BGSU

The general consensus in America today is that we are more politically divided than ever. If this is true, understanding how politics, and our particularly divisive political climate, affects workers and their stress at work becomes vitally important. Stress at work had been found again and again to have negative effects on the health of workers. This study among 225 individuals used a uniquely developed measures of pollical prejudice in the workplace to examine the effects of politically motivated incivility and harassment. Specifically, this measure will be used to determine whether incidents of pollical prejudice in the workplace are frequent or infrequent, whether the frequency of political prejudice incidents vary by participant’s pollical ideology, and whether experiencing pollical prejudice affects employees’ stress, turnover intentions, coworker satisfaction, and positive/negative affectivity. Our main analysis will be the correlation between experienced incivility and turnover intentions, stress, and satisfaction.

Name:                            Meghan Vogt
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Jari Willing    
University:                    BGSU

Reproducibility is the epitome of scientific validity. As such, researchers conduct experiments in highly-controlled environments and meticulously record their procedures, so they can be accurately replicated by peers. However, animal facilities at universities and other organizations utilize a vast number of different environmental/housing protocols, which are often unreported in scientific literature. Recent research shows that many elements of these environments, including bedding, diet, water bottles, and cage material, inadvertently expose laboratory rodents to natural and synthetic substances that can affect the development of the body, brain and behavior. Notably, these environmental variations can expose rodents to increased levels of estrogen and endocrine-disrupting compounds. Exogenous estrogens have been shown to induce developmental and acute changes in neural functioning that can have long-term effects on anxiety and learning/memory. In our study we compare male and female rats raised from birth in two contrasting housing environments on several behavioral, developmental and reproductive endpoints. Additionally, we examine the acute effects of these housing conditions in littermates whose environmental condition was switched in adulthood. Specifically, we report the effects of environment on anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and long-term memory in the object recognition task. Results from this study have important implications for reproducibility in science and for our understanding of how one’s environment affects brain development and behavior

Name:                            Ashlyn Victoria
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Samuel McAbee, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

“Individual Differences and Climate Science Denialism” investigates personality traits, values, and consideration of future consequences to see which of these contribute to individuals' propensity to deny climate science. Participants' personality traits, values, consideration of future consequences, and perception of environmental threat were first measured before participants were asked to read a short vignette. These vignettes, designed to look as if they had come from a reputable source, displayed either a pro-anthropogenic climate change perspective, an anti-anthropogenic climate change perspective, or a neutral perspective. Following the manipulation, perception of environmental threat was tested to see how it was changed. Finally, data was analyzed to see how individuals’ personality traits, values, and consideration for future consequences affected the degree of this change. (Note: We just recently got our project approved by the IRB, so depending on how quickly we can collect our results from MTurk, this may be presented as a Work-In-Progress.)

Name:                            Jordan Weiser
Addtl. Contributors:     Kassidy Reneau, Sara Helwig, Chloe Cordes, Emma Virden, Caitlin Thebeault, Cassidy Pfister & Bruktawit Getnet  
Mentor:                         Phillip Zoladz, PhD    
University:                    Ohio Northern University

Research has shown that childhood maltreatment is associated with increased risk for trauma- and stressor-related disorders in adulthood. This increased risk might be caused by maltreatment-induced changes in the neural circuitry underlying fear learning, which results in pathological responses to adulthood trauma. To test this hypothesis, we assessed whether childhood maltreatment was associated with altered fear learning and fear generalization in adults. Seventy-four undergraduate students learned to associate a geometrical shape with an aversive stimulus in a fear-potentiated startle paradigm. The next day, participants were tested for their fear generalization by measuring their fear responses to a variety of stimuli that were similar to, but different from, the shape observed on Day 1. Childhood maltreatment was quantified using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and participants were divided into high and low childhood maltreatment groups based on methodology employed in previous work. Results revealed that participants with high childhood maltreatment exhibited stronger fear learning and greater fear generalization than participants with low childhood maltreatment. These findings suggest that exposure to childhood stress could result in greater fear learning and an overgeneralization of fear, which could explain the link between childhood maltreatment and increased risk for certain psychological disorders in adulthood.

Name:                            Kelly Alge
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Tom Muir    
University:                    BGSU

“Pate de Verre” refers to the intricate method of using colored glass pastes in refractory molds to create kiln-cast glass forms. According to researchers at The Corning Museum of Glass, the technique was first attributed to ancient Egyptian glassmakers who created molded amulets and small vessels using “a mixture of finely crushed glass, a binding agent, and a fluxing medium to facilitate melting”. Traditionally, the mixture is applied wet into a single-use plaster refractory mold, dried, fired, divested, and sanded. My research investigates alternative methods of casting vibrantly colored pate de verre works using non-traditional materials, including multi-use silicone molds, zirconium encapsulated pigment stains, organic food additives, recycled glass, and non-carcinogenic, reusable refractory blankets.

Name:                            Kelly Alge
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Tom Muir    
University:                    BGSU

The School of Art recently acquired a new ceramic stain decal printer, which enables artists to produce custom imagery that can be permanently fired on to a variety of glassy substrates. This technology offers students in the SOA an innovative path for blending 2-D digital imagery with 3-D surfaces, yet many students may be reluctant to try the printer due to its technical learning curve and the expense of experimentation. Through my research and testing, I was able to use the new equipment to identify and confirm reliable techniques for producing fired imagery on many different kinds of glass, as well as record variables specific to common studio practices that produced poor results. A key goal of my research was to develop a tangible resource that will serve students in the School of Art collectively and collaboratively. I produced an interactive technical lab guide from my findings that will facilitate student understanding of the processes and variables, and accelerate successful results in using the equipment. The lab guide encourages creative experimentation and collaborative participation among 2-D and 3-D students in the School of Art. Through shared firing logs and project notes, students will be able to work through problems together, avoiding unnecessary material waste and costly errors inherent to learning a new technique on your own. I envision this lab guide to be a growing resource that can be added to for many years to come.

Name:                            Brittany Baldwin
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         John Balistreri     
University:                    BGSU

Through this research I desire to increase the efficacy and predictability of textural glazes in order to share my research with fellow classmates, making a glazing effect that was traditionally considered a mistake an achievable and reliable design technique. Gaining the understanding of how raw materials affect the chemical process that glaze undergoes when fired will provide a deeper understanding of the materiality of glaze as a whole.

Name:                            Madeleine Burland
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Barbara Bergstrom, PhD     
University:                    BGSU

Chemistry and art have always gone hand in hand, and almost every artistic medium relies on chemistry in some way, whether or not artists are aware of it. In some mediums, the presence of chemistry is obvious, such as in film photography and certain printmaking forms such as etching. However, chemistry is also present in many other mediums, such as ceramic glazes, the production of different paints, the function of colorants in glass blowing, and in many other ways. One other use of chemistry that I am interested in exploring is the use of natural materials in the dyeing of textiles. This has been done for almost as long as humans have existed, and while we use largely synthetic dyes now, for much of history dyes were made primarily from natural resources such as plants, bacteria, and even certain animals and bugs. One of the most common and well-known of these natural materials is the Indigo plant, used primarily in India for dyeing the skin as well such as in henna tattoos. The indigo plant produces a blue colored dye, but dyes of every color of the rainbow have been made in various ways from various materials, and each of these dyes has a specific chemical makeup that determines its color. As an artist and future art educator, I am interested in the potential application of these natural materials in a creative project that allows students the opportunity to test and experiment with the use of and combination of these materials to create their own dyes to use in a fiber arts project for the high school level that would allow them to combine scientific exploration and experimentation with artistic and creative processes in an interdisciplinary classroom setting.

Name:                            David Rummel
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Andrew Gilliatt    
University:                    BGSU

Shino glazes are glazed first used in Japan and have historically been used for their spontaneity in surface through the glaze firing process. Shinos are typically earth tones, with most being orange, brown, or red. Through research, other colors have been achieved by incorporating encapsulated mason stains into the glaze recipe. Mason stains are colors that have been prefired and can be added to virtually anything in ceramics to change the hue toward that of the stain. This process took many trials, leading from a base glaze, to shifts in proportions in material, and finally adding color to the final glaze. This process allowed me to create new Shino glazes, glazes that are no longer earth tones.

Name:                            Rachel Sykes
Addtl. Contributors:     Deanna Granata, Willow Socha, Rachel Immel & Dietrick Wiles  
Mentor:                         Bonnie Mitchell    
University:                    BGSU

The development of the International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA) and Special International Group on Graphics and Interactive Techniques (SIGGRAPH) Archives has been an ongoing research and development project involving many students. We will be continuing the project this spring. The scope of this project is extremely large and is currently the world’s largest archive documenting the history of media art. The goal of this project is to add immense quantities of data, fix bugs, and add new features to the ISEA and ACM SIGGRAPH Online Archives. We will research and develop the ability to export data and transform it into visualizations. There are over 50,000 fields to retrieve and thus we have researched and implemented effective ways to obtain them. An archive is only as good as the accuracy of the data so we consistently checking that entries are accurate and contain unique identifiers and metadata as well. Overall, this is an amazing opportunity and very important research project.

Name:                            Mason Trinh
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Sandra Fulkner, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Salient identities are identities that a person considers most important to their self-concept (Morris, 2013). Most individuals have salient intersecting identities that are not always visible, such as racial, sexual, and gender identities that interact in a complex manner resulting in a unique set of experiences (Crenshaw, 1993). At times, these identities may conflict causing feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, necessitating a process of identity negotiation (Faulkner & Hecht, 2011). The negotiation of multiple and stigmatized identities, such as nonbinary gender identities, presents individuals with situations they require identity negotiation. The present study used the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI) to frame an investigation into multiple and intersecting identities among LGBTQ university students. CTI proposes that identity is composed of four overlapping frames including the (1) personal, (2) enacted, (3) relational, and (4) communal (Faulkner & Hecht, 2006). The purposes of this study are: (1) to understand how identity gaps may be exemplified by the clash (or a lack thereof) between two salient identities in terms of the four identity layers; (2) to observe how identities may be negotiated as identity gaps are identified. The investigator interviewed 20 participants about their salient identities and times when they needed to negotiate identity gaps, places where differences in identities created conflicts within identity and across identity layers related to personal perceptions, expressions, relationships, and a sense of community (Faulkner & Hecht, 2011). Findings show that gaps between two salient identities can manifest within identity layers (e.g., personal layer of being a transgender man vs. personal layer of being Hispanic), and between two or more identity layers (e.g., enacted layer of being a cis woman vs. communal layer of being queer; personal layer of being Catholic vs. communal layer of being Catholic vs. enacted layer of being queer; relational layer of being biromantic vs. personal layer of being asexual). Also, findings suggest that participants use at least one or more of the following three strategies to negotiate their identities: absolution of conflict; identity compartmentalization; ignorance/ neglect of conflict. As one engages in internal resolution which stems from absolution of conflict, they, as a result, may experience identity affirmation/ exploration. These findings give us insights into the complex nature of identity gaps and identity negotiation. Clinicians or intervention specialists may acquire deeper knowledge about the importance of identity gaps to identity development and individuals’ struggle to reconcile identity gaps. Future research should focus on identity compartmentalization to better understand the implications of the concept of intersectionality

Name:                            Hannah Bebinger
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Angélica Vázquez-Ortega, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Water quality managers have been working for decades on controlling critical nutrient levels, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), in order to combat harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Western Lake Erie. Open water lake dredged disposal is a common method practiced by the Ohio Corps of Engineers to dispose of dredged sediments obtained from the federal navigational channels. After July 1st, 2020, the Ohio legislature has banned such activity. The disposal of dredged material back into Lake Erie poses an environmental threat to the water quality. Dredged sediments are abundant in nutrients, particularly N and P. This excess of nutrients in the water can lead to eutrophication and ultimately HABs. The overarching goal of this study was to look at alternative uses of the nutrient enriched dredged material in agriculture and the impacts on the environment. This project was complimentary to Dr. Vázquez-Ortega’s research funded by the Lake Erie Protection Fund. My CURS research objective was to study the nitrogen and phosphorus content in farm soils amended with dredged material and planted with soybean. I also looked at the N and P within the soybean plants and the percolated waters. Results revealed that over time, the soybean plants were using the additional nutrients (N and P) that the amended farm soil provided. Incorporating the dredged material into the soils increased the amount of available nutrients that the plants could use and ultimately reduced the N and P contents in the percolated waters.

Name:                            Emily Manner
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Angélica Vázquez-Ortega, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Lake Erie is a shallow lake and needs to be dredged yearly to ensure the navigation of ships and vessels into the ports. Currently, nutrient-rich dredged material has been removed from the federal navigational channels and disposed of in open waters in the central basin. The redistributing of nutrients in the water column exacerbates the harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. As a result, the state of Ohio passed a bill banning open-water dredged sediment disposal after July 1st, 2020. Scientists and governmental agencies have identified several beneficial uses for dredged sediment. This study uses dredged material as a soil amendment to decrease the use of artificial fertilizer. The aim of this study was to compare under a greenhouse approach, how different local farm soil to dredged sediment ratios affects soybean yield. Results indicated that an increase in dredged sediment amendment increased soybean yields and roots biomass.

Name:                            Alyssa Reinhardt
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         John Farver, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Antifouling paint is commonly used at Ohio marinas as a method of preventing fouling organisms from harming boats. Much of this antifouling paint is copper-based. When boats are washed at the end of the boating season, the copper in the antifouling paint leaches into the lake through wastewater. This is a concern because copper is harmful to aquatic life in high levels. Additionally, Ohio marinas now must follow the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit OHR 000006, which means that they cannot simply allow boat wash water to directly enter the lake after boats are washed. Instead, marina operators must find an alternative method of disposal for their boat wash water. The objective of this research is to determine the levels of copper and other harmful contaminants that are entering Lake Erie as a result of the use of antifouling paint. This information can be determined through the analysis of water and sediment samples from several Ohio marinas. Due to the various wastewater drainage systems in use amongst these marinas, this research will also help determine the most efficient way for marinas to comply with the new wastewater regulation.

Name:                            Adam Swint
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Angélica Vázquez-Ortega, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The effect of dredged sediment amendment on soil health Abstract Each year 1.5 million tons of sediments are dredged from Ohioan harbors. As of July 1st, 2020, the open water disposal of dredged material in Lake Erie will be banned. Researchers and governmental agencies have been tasked to find beneficial uses for the dredged material. The main objective of this research was to investigate the effect of dredged sediment amendment on soil health. A greenhouse approach was used, in which a typical farm soil was amended with dredged sediments. The soil to dredged sediment ratios were as follow: 100% soil, 100% dredged, 90% soil: 10% dredged and 80% soil: 20% dredged. Soybeans were grown for 150 days. No synthetic fertilizer was added to the mesocosms (buckets). Results showed that an increase in dredged material amendment decrease the soil bulk density due to the high content of organic matter. This observation has important implications because this allows the root system to penetrate and colonize a larger volume of soil. The addition of dredged sediment also increased soil cation exchange capacity (CEC). The CEC is a soil chemical characterization that describes the amount of nutrients absorbed into the soil. Dredged sediments provided adequate nutrient content to the soil; in specific, high content of calcium, that is a plant macronutrient.

Name:                            Jennifer Kania
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Ramond Swisher, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Recently, the U.S. government passed new legislation that limits Americans’ access to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits by changes in calculating who is eligible for food stamps as well as eliminating automatic enrollment in SNAP for disadvantaged families who receive federal assistance. Many experts believe the proposal is likely to increase food insecurity among needy families, affecting up to 3.1 million people. The long reaching effects of food insecurity, such as possible increase in criminal activity, have not been fully explored. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) Wave I and Wave IV, this study examines the association between food insecurity and self-reported criminal behavior by performing a multivariate logistic regression by controlling for modifiers such as age, race and ethnicity, prior delinquency. It also explores the possible longitudinal relationship of parents’ education, parents’ relationship status, and parents’ economic issues during childhood and outcomes in adulthood with food insecurity and its positive association with self-reported crime.

Name:                            Adam Smith
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Margaret Weinberger, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Parks are the site of social interactions between individuals, groups of people, and the environment. Countless research articles have documented the influences of institutional rules and policies, perceptions, accessibility, proximity, and geographical location on park users (diversity of users, recreational uses, etc.) With the support of my faculty advisor, Dr. Margret Weinberger, and CURS, I researched local parks in Bowling Green, Ohio. This research is classified as both ethnographic and exploratory and is composed of field observations, online research, and a literature review. I designed pre- and post- template forms to record park history, online website appearance, users (individuals or group size), perceived diversity of demographic characteristics (e.g. race, age, gender), individual behaviors, park maintenance, special events, weather, and overall patterns of use. My research and observations are broken down into seven distinct categories that can be viewed through multiple filters with a sociological imagination: 1.) diversity of visitors, 2.) minority status of visitors, 3.) park maintenance, 4.) user-deviant behavior, 5.) technology usage, 6.) park usage, and 7.) social interactions.

Name:                            Adam Smith
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Margaret Weinberger, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Part 1 of this research ended by collecting approximately 90 hour’s worth of observation data and recordings through voice recordings and templates. At the end of my research, “Part 1 of 3: Environmental Sociology: Inquiry of Place, Space, and Parks”, I saw a gap in gaining a holistic view of peoples’ input and experiences in Bowling Green public parks; therefore part 2 of this research aims to use web-based reviews to gain the input and feedback from people who are visiting different types of public-use natural areas (parks) in Bowling Green, Ohio. The methodology is a blend of narrative and ethnographic research and includes approximately 30 reviews for each of the six focus parks in my previous research. People share their experience on an accessible platform (online), and they can reflect on exactly what made their experience impactful—positive or negative. Online reviews craft a detailed portrait of each park; in some cases, quite literally, as park users upload their photos along with their reviews. Individual reviews were coding using the same topics in Part 1. In addition, I used a metrics of 5-stars, which is the same criteria for online reviews through Google. Parks are always evolving and changing. With the increase in urbanized places and urban density, public places for individuals and groups to engage in are vital for the health of people, communities, and society at large. Research that captures what is going on in these places and advises how we can better promote and develop parks is essential for the ongoing creation and evolution of public recreational areas.

Name:                            Adam Smith
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Margaret Weinberger, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Over the Winter 2020 term, I advanced my previous park research by studying the parallels and divergences of the principles, guidelines, and concepts of major design philosophies revolving around the natural and built environment. Permaculture, biophilic design, and landscape architecture all aim to cultivate a “natural” space into a built place that people can connect to and prosper in. Each of these design methods revolve around guidelines and principles that aim to shape landscapes in an interactive, self-regulating, and sustainable way. Part 3 of this research includes a deep literature review and three individual case studies of each design methodology. After comparing these design principles and guidelines this research identifies a set of standard and shared design values that could be used to solve many of the social and environmental issues we are currently experiencing on both a local and global level. Sociology has historically discounted much of society’s relationship to the environment, but as more researchers invest their time, efforts, and studies to the field (environmental sociology), connections are made between the health of the environment and the well-being of society.

Name:                            Stephen Strouse
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Amanda Cook, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

In my paper I estimate the effects of opioid prescribing rates and medical marijuana laws on suicide deaths in the United States. People with certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain, may experience suicidal ideation, especially when their symptoms are not managed well. Treatments that help patients manage their symptoms, such as opioids or medical marijuana, may result in better management of symptoms, which may decrease the chances of suicidal ideation. Some papers have explored the effect of chronic pain on depression or suicidal ideation and the effect of medical marijuana on opioid prescribing or suicide deaths, but there is little information about the effects of changes in opioid prescriptions on suicide deaths. This paper seeks to provide insight into the way that changes in opioid prescribing and medical marijuana laws affect suicide deaths. To answer this, I am estimating the change in the number of suicides that results from a one unit increase in the number of opioid prescriptions dispensed per 100 persons. I am using a two-way fixed effects model, in order to compare changes in each of the variables while accounting for regional and time period differences. Other variables I include are the number of mental health physicians, the number of specialty therapists, the unemployment rate, the population, and the minimum wage. I found that, in the absence of medical marijuana laws, a one unit increase in opioid prescriptions per 100 people results in a 0.362% decrease in the number suicide deaths per state (p<0.01). Put another way, a one unit decrease in the prescribing rate results in 0.362% more suicide deaths annually. Additionally, the presence of medical marijuana laws results in a 28.3% decrease in suicide deaths (p<0.01) However, in states with medical marijuana laws, additional opioid prescriptions leads to a 0.066% increase in the number of annual suicide deaths per state (p<0.001).

Name:                            Alexandra Graver
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         David Dewey    
University:                    BGSU

In this project 3 non-profit organizations were interviewed about their use of event management to produce funds as well as to carry out their core mission. The Victory Center, The Kidney Foundation of North West Ohio and Mercy Children's Hospitals have presented their funds raised through event management and how using events impacts their organization, allowing them to impact the community. Each organization has also been asked how the COVID-19 and event-ban environment has impacted and will continue to impact their operations.

Name:                            Kaitlynn Adams
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Rinad Al-Shboul    
University:                    BGSU

Background: The Renaissance began around 1400 in Florence, Italy and eventually spread throughout Milan, Rome, and the rest of Europe. The Renaissance spanned from the 14th to the 17th Century and it was the most profound art movement, it was the enlightened age of art and architecture due to a renewed cultural interest in classical antiquity (Richman-Abdou, 2017). The Italian Renaissance is known as the golden age of music, literature, and art, and has been the muse for many famous Renaissance artists: da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, just to name a few, and father of Renaissance architecture Brunelleschi.    Objectives: Understanding the origin of the Italian Renaissance and the effects that impacted Italian art, and architecture after the emergence of the Italian Renaissance.While understanding the importance of the Italian Renaissance in modern Italy.  Methods: Information was collected and documented about art and architecture that had influences from the Italian Renaissance in six cities in Italy. Pictures and videos of Renaissance buildings and art were analyzed to determine the prominence of the Italian Renaissance.  Results: The research results showed that the Italian Renaissance is very prominent in four out of the six locations we visited in both the architecture and art of the cities. Three  locations had soft influences of the renaissance which is due to their locations and the prominent styles that took place during that time.  Conclusion: While religious cathedrals occupied some of the most detailed architecture and infamous paintings and sculptures from Renaissance artists, we are exposed to a time where music, whimsical designs, and color theory shaped the new worlds for centuries.  

Name:                            Patrick Caniglia
Addtl. Contributors:     Courtney Bockbrader  
Mentor:                         Laura Landry-Meyer, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The Listening Post at Bowling Green State University is a course that emphasizes the development of listening skills in the context of listening to oneself, others, and clients in a direct service role. The class also features a component that encompasses active listening between walk-up clients and student listeners stationed at the Post, which is located on campus in the Student Union. As the students of the course may one day embark on a career path in the helping field, it is made clear that the importance of active, empathetic listening is monumental to any future occupational success. It is with this philosophy in mind that I chose to study the impact of the Listening Post course itself. Specifically, I wanted to explore if students enrolled in the Listening Post course improved their ability to listen via the “window” view rather than the “mirror” perspective.

Name:                            Marquett Samuels
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Laura Landry-Meyer, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Colleges and universities continue to see an increase in the first-year dropout rates, Overall, the dropout rate is 40%, however, 30% of college students drop out after their first year (College Dropout Statistics, n.d.). After students’ first year of attending a college or university, it is likely they will return to an institution near their home. Considering the increase in dropout rates, it is important to understand that students of all levels dropouts’ range. Erik Erikson notes that when moving to early adulthood if people are unaware of their sense of self, it will be difficult to move onto the next stage of life. This can make it difficult to form intimate relationships with others (Amidon, & Ortwein, n.d.). By noting Erikson's 8 stages of psychosocial development and seeing from experience that group identity helps a person feel as though they belong, it is important to access students with empowerment. At Bowling Green State University, Spring 2020, the School of Family Consumer Sciences and Faculty of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies decided to pass out wellness bags to ensure the health and wellbeing of their students. Faculty members wanted to empower students of all levels from first-year students to graduate students, with resources to finish the semester empowered. Along with wellness bags, studies have shown that academic and social integration, along with a student’s identity, this relates to a more positive goal commitment, more significant relationships, and have institutional commitment (Bowman & Felix 2017). Through a literature analysis, I hope to increase the knowledge and interest of students and faculty in understanding their engagement and sense of belongingness.

Name:                            Lydia Bias
Addtl. Contributors:     Nora Hernon  
Mentor:                         Virginia Dubasik, PhD     
University:                    BGSU

English story retells from eight preschool-age Spanish-English bilingual children were analyzed using an adaptation of the Narrative Assessment Protocol. Analyses were conducted to examine differences in narrative microstructure at two time points. Median scores at Time 2 were statistically significantly different from scores at Time 1. Children’s narratives at Time 2 were more complex and contained more microstructure elements.

Name:                            Lauren Sullivan
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Jason Whitfield, PhD; Adam Fullenkamp, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Speech production treatments often target effortful speaking styles (e.g., clear or loud speech) that aim to increase the neuromuscular drive of the speech motor system (e.g., Lam & Tjaden, 2016; Ramig et al., 2018). However, the extent to which the gains associated with louder and clearer speech are robust to interference from concurrent task demands that are often encountered in everyday speaking situations has yet to be quantified. The specific purpose of this investigation was to quantify the extent to which changes in speech motor control associated with clear and loud speech are affected by concurrent performance of an attention-demanding secondary task.

Name:                            Natalie Wise
Addtl. Contributors:      Bethany Sager & Martha Bettinelli  
Mentor:                         Philip Stinson, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Approximately 1,600 police officers across the United States were arrested for sex-related crimes during the ten year period, 2005-2014. The arrested officers were employed by more than 1,100 state and local law enforcement agencies located in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. These data suggest that police sexual violence is a problem involving more than a few “bad apples” and that the phenomenon of police sexual violence may be a cultural norm within the police subculture at many state and local law enforcement agencies across the country. Additional findings will be reported in support of the hypothesis.

Name:                            Kate Moran
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Philip Stinson, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The purpose of this study is to inform the public about law enforcement officers who have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Using Stinson’s (2019) data set of police crime across the United States, the sample consists of 1,570 cases where police officers were arrested for driving under the influence during the years 2005 to 2014. This study describes the circumstances of the DUI arrest of police officers. The poster presents data on details of the crime, officer demographics, criminal case deposition, and final adverse employment outcome.

Name:                            Mariah Bainbridge
Addtl. Contributors:     Samantha Sandwisch & Brianna Wamser  
Mentor:                         HeeSoon Lee, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Grief after loss is one of the most predominant life changes after spousal loss among older Americans. Suitable adapting procedures must be executed to keep up elevated levels of physical and mental well-being, as delayed grieving or poor coping strategies in the grieving process among Caucasian older adults may affect their physical and psychological health (Holland et al, 2013). This research was to identify common coping strategies among older Caucasian Americans who have experienced spousal loss. Using a mixed methodology, data were collected through survey and semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked about demographic questions, coping strategies (The Brief COPE) and grief recovery experiences. A total of 33 participants, predominantly females (84%) participated in the study. Findings indicated that there is no gender difference in coping strategies among older Caucasian Americans, and the majority (81%) of participants did not have any recovery program after their spousal loss. Findings from open ended questions through the survey indicated that some participants expressed concern of loneliness, financial issues, and worry over loved ones after the death of their spouse, while others did not declare major distress and rather accepted the passing. While older Caucasian Americans mostly used emotional-focused coping and the attempt to accept the passing of their partner, the majority initially struggled emotionally and turned to coping mechanisms as a tool for distraction rather than acceptance. Although there are some discrepancies, based on our findings with a small sample size, we suggest that older Caucasian Americans seek support through the help of peers, recovery programs, and the implementation of spirituality. These types of support systems are effective in assisting the overall well-being of older Caucasian American’s during the grief period.

Name:                            India Berry
Addtl. Contributors:     Courtney Chambers  
Mentor:                         HeeSoon Lee, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The purpose of this study is to compare and contrast how different races and genders cope with loss and grief, specifically when it grieving after losing their spouse. The issue that we are focusing on this study is to show that African Americans experience higher levels of complicated grief symptoms and lack of financial and emotional support compared to the Caucasians, especially when they spent less time speaking to others about their loss experiences. Participants in the study included 22 African Americans with females being 17 participants while men were 5 participants. It shows that females were more dominant with 31% out of 22 participants in the study. Results found indicated there are no statistical differences in coping strategies between males and females since p value was greater than 0.5%. Many African Americans (81%) reported that they did not go through a recovery program. Individuals admitted to wanting help but did not have the resources or finance to get the help they needed in order to move past the experience of losing their spouse. African Americans mostly used emotion-focused coping (ex. acceptance) and least used substance use in the different coping mechanisms. We suggested that the individuals go to church more and spend time with family members and important individuals around them since that was shown to be the best outcome for African Americans to get through the hardships of losing a spouse.

Name:                            Jackie Burns
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Vivian Miller, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

In Ohio, there are roughly 900 nursing homes (NHs) offering services to older adults. Within NHs there are a variety of job opportunities for health and human service professionals ranging from: registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, physical therapists, social workers, and dieticians. As an undergraduate student in human development and family studies, and a masters-candidate within interdisciplinary gerontology, the presenting author found that working on an interdisciplinary research team with faculty across Universities, (CAHS School of Social Work & BGSU’s Department of Human Services) was instrumental in her overall development as an emerging certified long-term care administrator. Under the leadership of research faculty, a systematic review of the literature (N=16) was conducted on the role of Social Workers in NHs. The purpose of this poster is to showcase how leveraging these interdisciplinary efforts to include social work and allied health care professionals was found to expand the students’ understanding, thus promoting comprehension of the larger health care delivery system in implementing best care practices. Attendees will gain perspective regarding benefits of student engagement and faculty-led mentorship, with an interdisciplinary gerontological perspective. Findings suggest that this is essential in providing the most comprehensive and effective quality of care to older adults.

Name:                            Stephanie Grass
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Jordan Wilfong, PhD; Jeanelle Sears, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

This research project seeks to explore interventions for students who experience communication apprehension in the classroom. Instances where students experience communication apprehension includes activities such as speaking when called on during class, giving an oral presentation, and raising their hand to ask a question. Finding effective interventions for students struggling with communication apprehension is important, as this issue can be detrimental to their learning experience and future careers. The project’s anticipated outcomes include identifying and evaluating effective interventions to utilize for college students experiencing communication apprehension and gaining a better understanding of communication apprehension in the classroom.

Name:                            Bethany Horner
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Vivian Miller, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The population of older adults is growing at a rapid rate. By the year 2034, the population of older Americans will reach 77 million (United States Census Bureau, 2019). These numbers are similarly represented within the criminal justice system; older adults account for approximately 10 percent of the total population within prisons and jails (Snyder, 2012 in Ahalt, Buisker, Myers, & Williams, 2019). Further research addresses the unique challenges older adults in the criminal justice system face, such as the accelerated deterioration of their physical and mental health. Upon their release, successful reintegration can be attributed to recognizing all factors that will affect the reentry process for this population. The implementation of programs or resources for older adults that address those factors is also key. Through the lens of ecosystems perspective and by utilizing the eco-map tool, a holistic approach to reintegration can be established, recognizing the general necessities of older adults reentering into society while also acknowledging the specific needs that can arise for the individual. Furthermore, this research seeks to address how the NASW Code of Ethics is reflected in the holistic approach to reintegration for older adults, and the critical role a social worker can play in the reintegration process.

Name:                            Danielle Jensen
Addtl. Contributors:      Samantha Need & Katie Wagner   
Mentor:                         HeeSoon Lee, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Grief and loss are normal processes that humans experience, but there are some differences in how different cultures process these experiences. According to Carr (2004), African American culture tends to lean on their faith to get through their loss, whereas Caucasian Americans tend to reach out to close family for support. The purpose of this study is to examine how grief after spousal loss plays a role between Caucasian Americans and African Americans. A semi-structured interview and survey (the Brief COPE) were used to collect the data. A total of 55 individuals (33 Caucasians and 22 African Americans; mean age 66.48; 84% females) participated in the study. Participants were asked questions regarding demographics, coping strategies, quality of life, and grief recovery experiences. The survey also included open-ended questions such as “What programs or services helped you cope with your loss?” An overarching trend saw that Caucasian Americans and African Americans found comfort in confiding in friends/family and going to church respectively. Researchers used a SPSS program, demographic statistics (frequency and Crosstabs) and an independent Samples T-test to analyze the data. Researchers found that Caucasian Americans and African Americans commonly used emotional-focused coping strategies such as positive reframing, acceptance, and religion, although African Americans were more likely to use religion as a coping mechanism. After analyzing the data, researchers found that African Americans reported higher ratings of their quality of life, but lower ratings in regard to overall health when compared to their Caucasian counterparts. It was also found that only 18.2% of Caucasian Americans and 19% of African Americans had any experience with grief recovery programs after their spousal loss. This suggests a lack of grief recovery programs, and therefore a need to create more programs and educate widows/widowers about them.

Name:                            Nikki Sorgi
Addtl. Contributors:     Nicole Bowsher  
Mentor:                         Lauren Maziarz, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

A Pilot Study to Examine Nurses’ Perceptions of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Education in Long-term Care Facilities Background: Many older adults (40%) in the US aged 65-80 are sexually active (American Association of Retired People [AARP], 2018) yet report less condom use, fewer STD screenings, and lower risk perceptions of STDs than their younger counterparts (Syme, Cohn, & Barnack-Tavalaris, 2017). Since more than 1.5 million nurse employees work in LTCFs in the US (CDC, 2013), examining perceptions of STD education from the nurses’ perspective allows for insight into why STD education in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) remains rare among this vulnerable population. Methods: As a pilot study to examine both current STD education practices and perceptions of STD education, a four-page mailed survey was sent to all LTCF Directors of Nursing (DONs) in Northwest Ohio (n=99) with a response rate of 29% (n=29). DON’s were the target population as they are the most likely employee to hold Registered Nurse licensure. The Health Belief Model formed the basis for the 21-item survey. Results: Respondents were predominately female (97%), Caucasian/White (83%), over 40 years of age (76%), with an Associate degree as their highest level of education (52%). Only 2 nurses stated their LTCF provides STD education to their residents while 4 nurses stated their LTCF provides condoms. Almost all nurses were supportive of STD education at their facility (97%) but previous education on how to address STDs among residents was rare, with 86% of nurses having had no formal training. Overwhelmingly, nurses did not see STDs or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as problems among their residents (100% and 96%, respectively) yet support for sex in LTCFs was high. All (100%) agreed sex among married residents should be supported while 75% agreed sex among non-married residents should be supported. Furthermore, 89% believed LTCFs should provide private spaces for intimate partner visits. Most nurses stated they were comfortable discussing HIV risk (86%), STD risk (86%), erectile dysfunction (76%), sexual desire and intimacy (68%), and correct condom use (66%). The most commonly perceived barriers to providing STD education were family opposition (62%), resident embarrassment (52%), limited time (48%), and lack of education on STD prevalence among older adults (48%). The most commonly perceived benefits were being seen as a leading LTCF within the community (66%), promotion of healthy sexual relationships (55%), improved health of residents (45%), and improved knowledge of STDs among residents (45%). Conclusions: There is a clear disconnect between what the evidence says in terms of STD risk among older adults and what nurses are perceiving as problems among their residents. There was strong support for STD education among nurses in our study though implementation remains rare. Addressing the most commonly perceived barriers and benefits may prove beneficial in increasing the number of LTCFs that provide STD education to residents.

Name:                            Casey Wilcher
Addtl. Contributors:     Lily Rosenberg  
Mentor:                         Lauren Maziarz, PhD; Philip Welch, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Williams County, Ohio faces many challenges not unlike similar rural towns across the United States. Stark health disparities among zip codes, population flight, limited access to affordable housing, mental health and drug abuse concerns, and limited access to healthcare top the list of distresses (Williams County Health District, 2017). What has become even more alarming to community officials are disparities in mortality rates. The average age of death varies by 9 years depending on which zip code you live in. While recent quantitative data tells a story of deep health disparities there is no consensus among community leaders in terms of how to proceed. The purpose of this project is to gain a better understanding of community concerns in Williams County from the residents’ perspective. A series of focus groups were to be conducted across several demographics. Specifically, this project will address the following research questions: 1) What do community residents see as the most significant concerns in terms of housing, employment, workforce development, community quality, governance, and public health? and 2) What solutions do residents propose for improving the overall community?

Name:                            Jacob Bombrys
Addtl. Contributors:     Chelsea Giesken  
Mentor:                         Mary-Jon Ludy, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

College can be an exciting time for many first-year students as new environments often expose students to different experiences. One aspect of students’ lives that often gets altered is their diet and amount of physical activity. New eating patterns and drinking in excess can lead to negative health effects for students. In addition, activity levels of college students tend to decrease as they are often no longer involved in strenuous athletic sports. Personal well-being is often pushed aside as students are focused on so many other aspects of college life including social life, work, and education. All of these changes in lifestyle behaviors can act as precursors to obesity. As this is often the first time many students live on their own, it is important to give students the resources they need to keep themselves healthy; both mentally and physically. Prevalence of prediabetes has increased dramatically over the past few years, and our research project has focused on its impact on first-year college students at BGSU.

Name:                            Michael Breece
Addtl. Contributors:     Katelyn Siebeneck  
Mentor:                         Mary-Jon Ludy, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Are you looking for a creative way to introduce a variety of health-related topics in the college setting? First-year students in BGSU’s Health, Wellness, and You Learning Community are gaining knowledge about health-related issues by viewing brief animated case study videos, paired with interactive discussion. In this poster session, you will learn about student-generated ideas for facilitating discussions and learn about affordable platforms that are used to develop animated videos.

Name:                            Chloe Brubaker
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                          Jonathan Kershaw, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Honey is a popular sweetener that has seen a recent increase in demand. Because of this popularity it is of growing importance to understand its functionality. This study is focused on the sensory differences (if any) caused by raw versus processed honey in a lacto fermentative process. The main research question to be answered is the following: Does raw honey in lacto fermented ketchup produce a product with sensory differences from the same product fermented with processed honey? To answer this, two ketchup products (one made with raw honey and one with processed honey) will undergo lacto fermentation. A sensory test will then be conducted. If a sensory difference between the lacto fermented ketchup products is found, there is reason to believe processing honey inhibits or removes bioactive compounds which may effect the lacto fermentation process.

Name:                            Ariel McVicker
Addtl. Contributors:     Marissa Swindell  
Mentor:                         Kerri Knippen, PhD     
University:                    BGSU

The purpose of this study was to evaluate emotional eating, food security, and dietary intake among older adults participating in home delivered meal service programs. Home delivered meals are a fitting way to provide adequate nutrition in the homebound population that have difficulty shopping for, preparing, and producing meals. Elderly individuals are at a greater risk of food insecurity largely due to financial strain (low/fixed incomes) and waning physical strength associated with aging.1 By definition, food insecurity (FI) occurs when the availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or the ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways is limited or uncertain.2 FI is strongly associated with income levels, however it is not limited to people living in poverty. According to Feeding America, in 2016, Ohio had 11,614,373 individuals impacted by food insecurity, amounting to approximately 15.1% of the population in the state of Ohio.3 Overall in the United States in the same year, there were 4.9 million food insecure elderly, which amounts to 1 in 12 seniors.4 To combat food insecurity, more home delivered meal programs are being created. Participants of home delivered meals have been shown to have increased strength and improve their ability to function in activities of daily living.5 Currently in the U.S., 9% of elderly suffer from food insecurity, these programs offer a service that can make a large impact on this number. 6

Name:                            Tai Knoll
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Christopher Witulski, PhD     
University:                    BGSU

During the Winter Session of January 2020, I traveled abroad to Morocco for a course on music and healing, directed by Dr. Christopher Witulski.  Throughout the class, we observed and participated in a variety of musical performances, such as Issawa, Hamadsha, Gnawa, and more, while exploring the culture and daily life of Morocco.  My project consisted of expanding beyond the course to research Moroccan musical culture and explore ways in which I can incorporate these experiences into my own future teaching as a music educator.  I learned about the role of music in everyday life, how music is taught and shared within a community and throughout generations, and intricacies of Moroccan musical structures and instrumental techniques that were not part of the course.  The question I wanted to explore through my project was: As a music educator, how can I develop the knowledge and skill set needed to represent and teach Moroccan music in a sensitive, respect, and impactful way that provides my students experiential learning opportunities?  

Name:                            Abigail Maser
Addtl. Contributors:     Johnathan de Oliviera  
Mentor:                          Robert Satterlee    
University:                    BGSU

Our presentation will explore the ways in which composers can create new music for late intermediate and early advanced pianists that bridges the gap between more standard repertoire and difficult contemporary works. Our presentation will focus on a piece we had commissioned using our CURS grant award.

Name:                            Caleb Glonek
Addtl. Contributors:     Luke Huffman & Jacob Treglia  
Mentor:                         Qi Guo, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The outcome of the project will be identifying and quantifying building energy saving opportunities on the building energy effeteness perspective. The utility cost saving will help BG high school reduce the operational cost. The energy saving will improve the energy efficiency in BG high school and makes BG community towards sustainable development With the current situation of Covid-19 we will be presenting what all goes into a lean energy analysis and we will depict this on a poster.

Name:                            Kathlyn Richmond
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Resmi Krishnankuttyrema    
University:                    BGSU

In fall 2019 and through spring 2020, we began studying first generation college students here at Bowling Green State University in the College of Technology, Architecture, and Applied Engineering. We did so by gathering information through a literature review focused on first generation college students to try and understand their challenges and learn about the methods and approaches used by different universities for their support. We have compiled this literature review and are working towards conducting a survey to analyze the data in detail to see if we can draw any significant conclusions.

Name:                            Blain Keckler
Addtl. Contributors:     Patrick Yumul  
Mentor:                         Qi Guo, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

The main purpose of this project was to perform an energy audit on Bowling Green High School so that we can- 1). Learn how to analyze energy consumption, cost in electricity and natural gas. 2). Learn how to decompose a building’s electricity charge into energy charge, demand charge, power charge and service charge. 3). Learn how to reduce energy charge and demand charge. However, with the current situation going on with COVID-19 we unfortunately have been held back. Instead, this poster is going to be elaborating on baseline analysis, one of the first steps on building energy audits.

Name:                            Allie Godfrey
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Jerry Schnepp, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Name:                            Betty Krodel
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Arsenio Rodrigues, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

This study was designed to analyze aging residential building envelopes. Two eras of American construction, existing between 1840 and 1945, were included in this analysis. Thermal imaging was used to compare materiality and temperature variations in the external construction of homes with three different construction styles and a multitude of modern modifications. Building materials, methods and alterations were noted whenever possible and used for a comparative analysis.

Name:                            Betty Krodel
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Sara Khorshidifard, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Name:                            Megan Gayer
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Jeffrey Lynn    
University:                    BGSU

The cyanoacrylate fuming chamber is a common instrument in the field of Latent Fingerprint Examination, because it is beneficial in the further processing of latent (unseen) fingerprints analysis.  The optimization of the cyanoacrylate fuming chamber allows for its best usage in the further processing of the latent print in the. My research involved the adjustment of several factors for optimizing the cyanoacrylate fuming chamber. The factors that  were adjusted for my research were the amount of superglue used in the chamber, the relative humidity inside the chamber, and the length of how long the cyanoacrylate fuming process was run. The significance of the data from this research is not only vital to the future of criminal justice, but also provides important data for further studies on the optimization of the cyanoacrylate fuming chamber.

Name:                            Nicholas Ollervides
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                          Raymond Schuck, PhD    
University:                    BGSU

Television has the ability to shape public opinion and define the reality surrounding the people and regions that are depicted in popular programming. In the last twenty years, the Hollywood idea of life in the Midwest has been based on a bumbling and hapless misrepresentation of the people and culture of this region. TV shows like Raising Hope, The Middle, Parks & Recreation and The Office depict life in the Midwest as being out of trend, behind the times, unfashionable, and based on low culture working class families. This is usually in direct contrast with TV shows set in cultural city centers like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. This has set a running trend in Hollywood to set up Midwest culture as inferior to that of its coastal neighbors. My research for this paper is rooted in Media Framing Theory and Media Cultivation Theory, with a focus on the research of George Gerbner. These theories supply the framework for proposing that Hollywood could be framing an entire region in an unflattering light, either intentionally or unintentionally. This problem has been growing right in front of us for years, but it has gone un-analyzed as it is easily brushed off as purely entertainment and, therefore, not subject to much analytical scrutiny. Presenting only the caricature version of a group of people can negatively impact the collective identity of those people and spark inherent resentment in young people raised in that culture. My research shows the negative repercussions this could be having in the Midwest, primarily the supposed need felt by young Midwestern academics and intellectuals to seek opportunity in larger urban areas instead of building up their home regions with innovative thinking and work ethic.

Name:                            Cassandra Whitmire
Addtl. Contributors:       
Mentor:                         Kim Fleshman    
University:                    BGSU

I wanted to experience west coast culture while exploring architecture, local artists, and designers. I planned to capture the art, culture, and social issues of California through photos and videos. Since I had never been to the west coast, I wanted to share my thoughts on everything as well as show what it’s like for other people who can’t go to California. I created a video about the trip as well as the experiences throughout my two weeks on the west coast.