Celebrating and recognizing research achievement

2013 Student Research Colloquium

Friday, April 26

Ohio Northern UniversityMcIntosh Center

www.onu.edu/research/colloquium

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Welcome to Ohio Northern University’s Student Research Colloquium! The Student Research Colloquium is a true showcase for undergraduate research, with students scheduled to present 92 projects this year. For students, research bridges the gap between knowledge and experience and provides for career exploration and development. Presenters at this year’s Colloquium will share the results of their research with the larger academic community, enliven the intellectual climate on campus, and stimulate discussions and collaborations within and across disciplines, all while developing skills important to their long-term personal and professional success.

A Note of Gratitude Many thanks are extended to all members of the ONU community who have helped to make the 2013 Student Research Colloquium such a success. Special mention goes to Amy Prigge, Toma Williams, and Brian Paris from the Office of Communications and Marketing for their efforts in promoting the Colloquium across campus. Sincere gratitude is offered to the Getty College of Arts and Sciences for its generous funding of this event. Additional thanks go to all the student presenters and their faculty mentors who ensure that scholarly research and deep learning is vital to a Northern education. Finally, we thank all friends and family of and visitors to the Northern community and welcome your presence today.

The Student Research Colloquium Planning Committee Scott Rogers Asst. Professor of English 419-772-2105 s-rogers@onu.edu Bill Theisen Professor of Physics 419-772-2741 w-theisen@onu.edu Phil Zoladz Asst. Professor of Psychology 419-772-2142 p-zoladz@onu.edu

Mary Drzycimski-Finn Asst. to the Dean for Student Success 419-772-2987 m-drzycimski-finn@onu.edu Jerod Hurst Senior, Chemistry Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry j-hurst@onu.edu Lauren Tennet Senior, Public Relations Dept. of Communication & Theatre Arts l-tennet@onu.edu

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Table of Contents Welcome, Thanks, and Planning Committee 1 Table of Contents and Colloquium Schedule 2 Poster Presentation Sessions 3 Paper Presentation Sessions 6 Colloquium Abstracts 8 Index of Colloquium Participants 26

Colloquium Schedule All Colloquium activities take place on the first floor of the McIntosh Center. 9:45–11:00 a.m. STEM*: Human Health

Poster Presentations I Main Lounge

10:00–10:45 a.m. STEM: Natural Science

Paper Presentations I Wishing Well

10:00–11:45 a.m. Literature, History & Politics Paper Presentations II Conference Room 7

11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. STEM: Physical Science

Poster Presentations II Main Lounge

12:00–1:45 p.m. Public Relations Paper Presentations III Wishing Well

12:00–1:45 p.m. Psychology & Sociology Paper Presentations IV Conference Room 7

12:45–2:00 p.m. Geography & Field Biology Poster Presentations III Main Lounge

*STEM is an acronym for the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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Poster Presentations Morning Session: 9:45-11:00 a.m.

# STEM: Human Health Main Lounge 1. “Stress Administered Immediately before Learning Reduces False Memory Production and

Enhances True Memory Recall in Females” Andrea E. Kalchik, David M. Peters, Mackenzie M. Hoffman, Rachael L. Aufdenkampe,

Kali L. Findley, Nicholas E. Wolters 2. “Interest and Instruction: Improving College Students’ Sleep Hygiene” Amanda Kathryn Amstutz, Hayley O'Hara 3. “The Effects of Tattoos and Occupation on Perception of Personal Qualities” Elizabeth Coulston 4. “The Effects of Decreased Range of Motion on Deep Squat Pattern in College-aged Soccer

Players” Rachel Wright, Amanda Brown 5. “Examination of Rehabilitation Protocol for Quadriceps Tendon Rupture following ACL

Reconstruction via Patellar Tendon Graft” Jeremy Jones, Rachael Graham 6. “Upper Arm Injury in Collegiate Male Football Player: A Case Report” Caitlin M. Klima, Amanda M. Simms 7. “The Effects of Various Levels of Exercise (Based on Heart Rate) on Student’s Performance

on Exams” Hillary Lantz, Noah Christopher, Drew Ross, Michael Pawlitz, Darion Heilman 8. “The Combined Effects of Caffeine and Epinephrine on Sustained Skeletal Muscle

Contraction” Sarah M. Vore, Lisa M. Burns, Sara Kocian, Eric Karr, Lauren Rife 9. “The Effect of Tamoxifen and Its Mechanism of Action on the in situ Heart Rate of Rana

Pipiens” Joshua R. Leichty, Haley Kurmas, Wesley A. Bova, Neal Huang, Kyle W. Dexter 10. “Determining Stress-induced Heart Rate and Respiration Rate of Electronic vs. Physical

Game Playing” Kirsten Maag, Dominique McKee, Natalia Buczkowski, Leannyn Rotert 11. “Effect of Extracellular Potassium on Frog Muscle Contraction Force” Adriana M. Jones, Lauryn Zielinski, Lena Carlson, Kalie Gargano 12. “Characterization of Mullein Extracts and Antimicrobial Effects against Ear Infections” Adriana M. Jones, Kalie Gargano 13. “An Approach to Spills in the Laboratory with a Focus on Formalin” Jennifer Tabar 14. “Validation of the Heparin Therapeutic Range with a New Lot of APTT Reagent” Ahmed Alamer 15. “Improving Transfusion Safety Using Mechanical Barriers: A Comparative Study of the

BloodLoc Safety System and Typenex FinalCheck” Stephen Pavlock 16. “Effectiveness of an Educational Unit in Phlebotomy” Ashley R. Baumer 17. “Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Post-Operative Patient” Alexa Hartman 18. “Know What You Are Up Against with RSV” Kelli Lynch 19. “The Use of Informative Family Care Cards” Ashley Fields 20. “The ABC's and 123's of C. difficile” Jordan Elizabeth Roberts 21. “OTO Care: Educating Future Providers to Improve Patient Care” Alicia Marie Palivoda 22. “Infection Precautions” Angela Grebetz

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23. “Atrioventricular Block, Junctional Rhythms, and Common EKG Interpretations” Paul J. Lamiell 24. “HCAHPS: It Takes Everyone” Brooks M. Bukowy 25. “Bedside Rounding: An Analysis of Benefits and Burdens” Britney J. Lovensheimer 26. “Core Measures for the New Graduate” Kimberly M. Bowman 27. “Improving Isolation Education for Patients and Families” Daniel Cory Peeples 28. “Effective Nursing Communication and Improving Patient Satisfaction Scores” Brent Kramp 29. “Benefits of PEW Scores: Why Heroes Are Great, but Zeros Are Better!” Hilary L. Kremke

Midday Session: 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. # STEM: Physical Science Main Lounge 2. “Imine Ligands Appended to a Polyethylene Glycol Framework” Lindsay C. Wiener 3. “Development of a New Class of Phospine Ligands from Biorenewable Sources” Haley Armstrong 4. “Preparation of New Schiff-base Ligands Using Thermal Methods and Microwave Irradiation” Nicholas S. Cosgrove, Andrew Bowser 5. “Quantification of Methanesulfonic Acid” Elvira Tatarkov 6. “A Novel Method for Dissolved Phosphorus Analysis” Joanne M. Berry 7. “Identifying a Component of Thyme Extractions through GC-MS Characterization” Michael Herman 8. “Optimization of Cationic Polymerization Mechanism for a Chemically Green Monomer: β-

Pinene in Conjunction with [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4]” Stephanie N. Moore 9. “Cationic Polymerization of Beta-Pinene via Methyl Stearate and Trityl Borate Addition” Kevin C. Ledden 10. “Aqueous Cationic Polymerization Using tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane” Bethany L. Steele 11. “Investigation of a Safe, Efficient Method of Haloether Synthesis Derived from Trans-

cinnamic Acid” Aaron J. Sullivan 12. “Substituent Effects on the Band Gap and Donor Ability of Porphyrin-based Systems for

Polymeric OPV Applications” Morgan A. Hammer 13. “Effects of Various Linker Moieties in Porphyrin Polymers for Use in Organic Photovoltaic

Devices: A Computational Investigation” Zachary L. Dunn 14. “Spectroscopic Exploration of Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Cross-Conjugated

Molecules” Courtney M. Olson 15. “Chemometric Determination of Carvone Enantiomers Using beta-Cyclodextrin” Jerod J. Hurst 16. “Custom-developed Reverse-phase HPLC Method for Simultaneous Quantification of

Vitamins C and K3 in Compounded Capsules” Mohamad Hassoun 17. “Identification of ‘Silent’ 5HT1b Receptors in the Mouse Aorta” Paige M. Garber 18. “What Went Wrong with Vioxx: Lessons to Learn to Prevent another Drug Disaster” Brandon P. Bourgeois

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19. “The Similarities of Engineering Education and Technical Education” Elizabeth M. Spingola 20. “Tinkering in K-12 Education” Zachery J. Brewer 21. “Robotic Football” Hunter M. Turner, Shawn Pavel, Peter Kleysteuber, Taylor Zank, Loren Chase Camp,

Michael Horth 22. “Vex Robotics: Sack Attack” Kenneth E. Schlatter, Edward E. Day 23. “Sumo Robot Competition” Joshua L. Cox, Ethan W. Frey, Michael R. Hamlin 24. “Robotics Workcell” Robert Sellers, Abrim Mueller, Kyle Raber, Katy Newman, Nathan Albritton 25. “Measurement of Plasma Sheath Using Dust” Thomas E. Steinberger 26. “Sulfur Adsorption on Gold: An Exercise in Computational Low-Energy Electron Diffraction” Ashley Ernst, Nathan Grieser 27. “Analysis of 2D Substructure in Radio-loud Clusters of Galaxies” Donald J. Pleshinger

Afternoon Session: 12:45-2:00 p.m. # Geography & Field Biology Main Lounge 7. “Assessing the Population of Littorina irrorata in a Florida Salt Marsh” Brandon D. Bruns, Cody R. Harting 8. “Environmental Threats to National Parks” Lucas Erickson 9. “Summer 2012 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting and Environmental Effects” Brittany A. Bianco 10. “Traffic Pollution-related Illnesses and Geomedicine” Ray G. Foster 11. “Asian Carp Invasion” Ike Topp 12. “Pollution and Watersheds in Ohio” Amber Goforth 13. “Change in Fish Populations in Grand Lake St. Mary's” Tyler Nelson Thomas 14. “Highway Quality in Franklin County, Ohio” Ben Ankrom 15. “Downtown Columbus Streetscape” Andrew Thomas Crozier 16. “Deficient Bridges in Ohio” Mitchell W. Gibson 17. “Engineering Employment: Past, Present, and Future” Kyle J. Wrentmore 18. “Guinness: Where to Acquire ‘the Black Stuff’” David Kauffman 19. “Obesity: Is McDonald's to Blame?” Brian C. Klingenberg 20. “Origins of Popular Music” Garret Freeman 21. “Gun Control and the Second Amendment” Brad Nungester 22. “Human Trafficing in Ohio Counties in 2010 and 2011” James William Lee, Jordan Scott Turner 23. “Exploring School District Performance in Ohio” James R. Montgomery

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Paper Presentations

Morning Session: 10:00-11:45 a.m. Literature, History & Political Science Conference Room 7 Dr. John Lomax, Moderator “Hard Times for Children: An Analysis of How Children Are Portrayed in Dickens’ Hard Times” Gayle L. Riedel

“Alexandria: Establishment and Destruction of an Architectural Pearl” Andrew Thomas Crozier

“Puritan Ministers: The Driving Force of the Salem Witch Trials” Lindsey Paige DelBello

“The Art of War: Hollywood's Portrayal of American Intelligence Operations” Steve Saunier

“Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Does Political Money Equal Free Speech?” Adam Downing

“Myths and Realities: Are ONU Students Logically Consistent in Their Political Beliefs?” John Alexander Curiel

Morning Session: 11:00-11:45 a.m.

STEM: Natural Science Wishing Well Dr. Patrick Croskery, Moderator “The Home Range of the Striped and Spotted Skunk Populations in Florida” Brittany A. Bianco

“Activation of 5HT1b Receptors in the Mouse Aorta” Nathaniel W. Mabe

Afternoon Sessions: 12:00-1:45 p.m.

Psychology & Sociology Conference Room 7 Dr. Robert Carrothers, Moderator “Internet Fraud Victimization” Andrew Gray, James Call, Holly J. Evans

“Classical Marxism and Communication: An Analysis Including Modern Application and Alternative Theoretical Perspectives” Aaron M. Spence

“The Appeal of Professional Wrestling as Explained by Durkheim and a Contemporary Theorist” Dylan Michael Montgomery

“Occupy Wall Street and Its Connection to Marxism and NeoWeberian Theory” Morgan Storm Humphrey

“A Systematic Review of Risk Assessment Techniques for Sexual Offenders: A Proposal on Integration of Counseling Models” Kassidy Beck Public Relations Wishing Well Dr. Alisa Agozzino, Moderator “Religion, the Human Spirit and the Church Environment” Matthew Stephen Rarey

“The Legibility and Readability of Serif vs. Sans Serif Typefaces” Kaitlin Bondra

“Social Media Use by Law Schools and Their Admissions” Alexxys L. Ehresman

“Attribute Agenda-setting and the Framing of Messages: A Comparison of the News Media and Presidential Responses to School Shootings” Kathlyn Nicole Johnson

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“Student or Athlete: A Study of the Mentality of Division III Student Athletes” Katelyn A. Jones

“Adult Literacy” Rebecca Shaheen

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Colloquium Abstracts Alphabetically by Title

“A Novel Method for Dissolved Phosphorus Analysis” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Joanne M. Berry (Brunswick, OH) Research Advisor: Christopher Spiese (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) High phosphorus loading is a problem in the Great Lakes watersheds. Phosphate enters waterways via point and non-point sources promoting eutrophication, leading to algal blooms, hypoxia and loss of aquatic life. Quantification of phosphorus loading is typically done using the molybdenum blue method including strict control on reaction time, toxic reagents that have limited shelf-life and is generally unable to accurately measure sub-micromolar concentrations. This study aims to develop a novel reagent that will overcome many of these problems.

Ethanolic europium(III) chloride and 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid (hqs) were combined to form the bis-hqs complex (Eu-hqs). Eu-hqs was synthesized as the dipotassium salt via a simple one-pot procedure. This complex was highly fluorescent (λex = 360 nm, λem = 510 nm) at a pH of 8.50, and exhibited a linear response upon addition of monohydrogen phosphate with few interferences from other ions. The linear response ranged from 0.5 - 25 μM HPO42- (15.5 - 775 μg P L-1). It was determined Eu-hqs formed a 1:1 complex with phosphate. Shelf-life of the reagent was at least one month. In the future, field tests will be undertaken in local rivers, lakes, and wetlands to determine the applicability of the complex to real-world analysis. “A Systematic Review of Risk Assessment Techniques for Sexual Offenders: A Proposal on Integration of Counseling Models” Paper, Noon Conf. Rm. 7 Presenter: Kassidy Beck (Fort Wayne, IN) Research Advisor: Ronald DeLong (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice, ONU) This systematic review summarizes current techniques for accessing recidivism for sexual offenders. It includes both an overview of risk assessment tools and current treatment models: Relapse Prevention, Risk-Need-Responsivity, the Self-Regulation Model, and the Good Lives Model. Studies were gathered from databases such as MEDLINE and Pubmed, as well as current books and presentations by clinicians in the field. This review suggests that the movement to an integrated, individualized approach to treatment offers the best rehabilitation of sexual offenders. “Activation of 5HT1b Receptors in the Mouse Aorta” Paper, 10:00 a.m. Wishing Well Presenter: Nathaniel W. Mabe (Ashville, OH) Research Advisor: Boyd Rorabaugh (Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, ONU) Additional Researchers: Sarah Seely, Paige Garber, Lauren Fehrman (Mt. Vernon Nazarene U) Serotonin (5HT) is an important neurotransmitter for regulating cell communication in various organ systems, such as the central and enteric nervous systems as well as the cardiovascular system. Serotonin’s actions are varied and can be ascribed to 14 different families of receptors. In the mouse aorta,

the 5HT2a serotonin receptor is the primary mediator for causing serotonin-induced contraction of smooth muscle. However, other receptor families and subtypes such as 5HT1, 5HT2 and 5HT7 have also been identified in the aorta. Using the isolated organ bath technique, cumulative concentration response curves were generated for selective receptor agonists and antagonists selective in the presence of phenylephrine or receptor-independent KCl. When the mouse aorta is precontracted with either of the non-serotonin agent, otherwise "silent" 5HT1B serotonin receptors also become active mediators of a serotonin- induced response. These receptors are only noticeably active with precontraction from either KCl or phenylephrine and do not contract in the absence of a contractile agent. These findings are supported by demonstrating that the effects were blocked by a 5HT1b antagonist. Serotonin receptor interplay between receptor families could potentially have implications for treating cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and furthers our understanding of complex intercellular communication. “Adult Literacy” Paper, Noon Wishing Well Presenter: Rebecca Shaheen (Findlay, OH) Research Advisor: Alisa Agozzino (Communication and Theatre Arts, ONU) Research will illustrate the growing problem with adult literacy in the United States. How adult literacy directly effects money spent for health care in the United States due to lack of high literacy rates in adults. Research will consist of a case study outlining my capstone campaign to raise awareness about adult literacy rates among local health care professionals. The campaign also strives to gain more tutors. The case study will outline the event and progress made with my capstone group teamed with The Lima Literacy Council. “Alexandria: Establishment and Destruction of an Architectural Pearl” Paper, 10:00 a.m. Conf. Rm. 7 Presenter: Andrew Thomas Crozier (Ada, OH) Research Advisor: John Lomax (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) My paper analyses the founding and development of Alexandria’s architectural identity under the Ptolemaic Dynasty and how that identity evolved and changed from its establishment to the Roman conquest and occupation. It looks into the original mixing of Classical Hellenic orders with Egyptian architectural traditions to form a style that became distinctively Alexandrian. The paper also discuses how the Alexandrian style changed and was eventually abandoned in new construction with the Roman occupation where traditional Roman orders were preferred. Lastly it shows how the advancement of Christianity destroyed what was left of Alexandria’s Ptolemaic architectural heritage. “An Approach to Spills in the Laboratory with a Focus on Formalin” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Jennifer Tabar (Hinckley, OH)

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Research Advisor: Tom Geis (New Vision Laboratory, New Vision Medical Center) ONU Faculty Sponsor: Lisa Walden Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, laboratories are required to train their employees in spill removal. However, when a spill occurs it can be unknown or very dangerous. Knowing what tools to use in identification and cleaning is necessary for removal. Many laboratory employees do not come upon spills often and should be educated on continuous basis on the correct procedures. One of the most widely handled and dangerous chemicals utilized by most hospitals is formalin, a diluted form of formaldehyde. Formalin has been associated with cancers of the lung, nasopharynx and oropharynx, and nasal passages and must be disposed of appropriately. This proposed study will evaluate the training program that will be given. This training will be pre-empted by a quiz to assess employee knowledge of the subject. After a month, the training will be assessed for success with a new quiz on the materials. The training should improve employee quiz scores, which will reflect an increase in knowledge on the subject matter and a better understanding and comfort level when a spill does arise. “Analysis of 2D Substructure in Radio-loud Clusters of Galaxies” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Donald J. Pleshinger (Bolivar, OH) Research Advisor: Jason Pinkney (Physics and Astronomy, ONU) We have produced and refined catalogs of galaxy positions, magnitudes, colors and redshifts in ten radio-loud clusters of galaxies. The CCD images were taken with the MOSA imager on the Kitt Peak 0.9-m telescope. We use the color-magnitude relation (CMR) in B-V and B-R to select samples of galaxies which are members of the targeted clusters. We also restrict the samples to galaxies within one Abell radius (for Ho=75 km/s/Mpc) of the center, using two approaches for defining the center. We estimate the contamination of the CMR samples by foreground and background galaxies to be about 10%. We apply four statistical tests for the significance of 2D (plain of the sky) substructure to all of the samples, and obtain significance levels using Monte Carlo simulations. We are able to rule out the null hypothesis of a unimodal distribution with confidence for the majority of clusters. Isopleth contour maps are used to verify the substructure qualitatively. This allows us to address our original question: do cluster-subcluster mergers have an influence on radio galaxy morphology? “Aqueous Cationic Polymerization Using tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Bethany L. Steele (Pickerington, OH) Research Advisor: Amelia Anderson-Wile (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) Additional Researchers: Robert T. Mathers (Pennsylvania State U), Stewart P. Lewis (Pennsylvania State U) Numerous advances have been made over the past couple of years for maximizing efficiency of different polymerizations. One of the main focuses lately has been on the development of methods that can undergo an aqueous polymerization without the use of solvents. One of the initiators that is currently being

studied is tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane due to its reactivity and involvement within green chemistry. By using tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane, water, B-pinene, and sodium chloride, it was shown that polymerization took place. Salts are used within the reaction to withdrawal moisture of the monomer which enhances initiation and lowers the termination of the monomer. The polymerizations are being carried out at low reaction temperatures from -40 °C up to 30 °C. Characterization of the resultant polymers will be carried out using 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The definitive goal of this research is to produce high molecular weight polymers without a solvent but a salt instead under aqueous conditions. “Asian Carp Invasion” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Ike Topp (Grand Rapids, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) Asian carp have become a major environmental concern within the United States. They have begun to spread and reproduce at a rapid rate making their destruction even worse. They were brought into the United States to help water treatment plants with their water quality. Flooding has freed them into the wild which has led to the environmental problems they have created. My poster will show the past locations and populations of the Asian carp and also use research to predict where they might grow in size and population. It would be helpful to see their future locations in order to possibly stop their spread across the country. “Assessing the Population of Littorina irrorata in a Florida Salt Marsh” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Brandon D. Bruns (Dayton, OH); Cody R. Harting (Springfield, OH) Research Advisor: Terry Keiser (Biological and Allied Health Sciences, ONU) Additional Researcher: Monika Elion The marsh periwinkle (Littorina irrorata) is a marine snail inhabiting the eastern coast of North America down to the Gulf of Mexico. Its main habitat is smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). The marsh periwinkle plays an important ecological role in a salt marsh habitat, such as providing food for predators, and controlling populations of grasses. In our study, we assessed the population of the marsh periwinkle in a Florida salt marsh using a mark and recapture technique. We calculated the population abundance in this area using two different methods: The Lincoln Peterson and Bailey’s Triple Catch. Because of the differences between these two methods, we investigated their accuracy relative to each other when calculating population abundance. Our statistical results show that there is no significant difference between the two methods of calculating population abundance. “Atrioventricular Block, Junctional Rhythms, and Common EKG Interpretations” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Paul J. Lamiell (Canton, OH) Research Advisor: Susan Montenery (Nursing, ONU) Interpretation of EKG rhythms is a challenging skill to master. The nursing curriculum at Ohio Northern University covers basic EKG interpretation but only a

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short portion in the Medical Surgical Nursing coursework. Uncommon and more involved rhythm interpretations are reviewed but require remediation to allow a novice nurse to feel comfortable interpreting without the assistance of more experienced nurses. This capstone project focused on EKG interpretation, specifically found in atrioventricular blocks and junctional rhythms. An interactive teaching session on AV blocks and junctional rhythm interpretation was presented to graduating seniors in the baccalaureate nursing program. Following the presentation, survey data indicated students felt more comfortable with interpretation of AV blocks and were able to distinguish between first, second, and third degree AV block along with recognizing a junctional rhythm. In conclusion, the novice nurse would likely benefit from such remediation either in the classroom or during orientation before entering practice. “Attribute Agenda-setting and the Framing of Messages: A Comparison of the News Media and Presidential Responses to School Shootings” Paper, Noon Wishing Well Presenter: Kathlyn Nicole Johnson (Forest, OH) Research Advisor: Alisa Agozzino (Communication and Theatre Arts, ONU) The news media and political leaders often determine what information is relevant to the general public through the frames that they tell their stories and discuss policy. By means of content analysis, the research will examine the framing of media coverage following three separate school shootings (Columbine, Virginia Tech, and Sandy Hook) and the framing of Presidents Clinton, G.W. Bush, and Obama’s statements following the same school shootings. In what ways are the media and presidential administrations framing the school shootings: do they discuss the tragedy itself, attribute blame, or suggest gun control and policy change? Do the media’s messages correspond with those of the president, or are the media setting their own agenda? “Bedside Rounding: An Analysis of Benefits and Burdens” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Britney J. Lovensheimer (Chillicothe, OH) Research Advisor: Robin White (Nursing, ONU; 4K Intensive Care Unit Step-down/Telemetry, St. Rita's Medical Center) Bedside rounding is used in many healthcare facilities to improve patient safety and allow patients to become more involved in their care. It involves nurses giving a change-of-shift report in the patient room and sometimes completing a checklist. At St. Rita’s Medical Center, bedside rounding was implemented on 4K Intensive Care Unit Step-down/ Telemetry approximately one year ago but has yet to be implemented consistently at change-of-shift report as intended. The purpose of this study was to explore how bedside rounding is currently being used and gain staff feedback on the process, including frequency of use, benefits of use, barriers to use, and possible changes to be made. This information was obtained by surveying staff nurses on the unit. A review of the literature on bedside rounding was conducted to gain insight into its effect on patient outcomes and how it is implemented at other healthcare facilities. Staff education was provided to nurses on the unit along with suggestions for revision to the bedside rounding process presented to the unit manager. It is predicted

that the process will be implemented with more success after revisions are made to the current bedside reporting tool. “Benefits of PEW Scores: Why Heroes Are Great, but Zeros Are Better!” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Hilary L Kremke (Russell's Point, OH) Research Advisor: Robin White (Nursing, ONU; Pediatrics, Toledo Children's Hospital) The Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) system is a tool used to assist nurses when assessing pediatric patients. The PEWS tool is an objective system which takes in to account the patient’s behavioral status as well as cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms. A deficiency in use and understanding of this scoring system was identified at a regional children’s hospital. Many times nurses will assess a patient and find that because the client is irritable or crying, their PEWS evaluation will be more critical and regardless of the situation, a rapid response may need to be called. Often times physicians will get frustrated if nurses need to contact them to inform them of a PEW score on a patient or a nurse may decide the patient isn’t critical enough to inform other members of the healthcare team. These misconceptions of the severity of a patient’s condition are to be avoided by the PEWS system. The purpose of this project is to research the benefits of the PEWS tool and inform nurses and other healthcare members of how many codes and deaths are prevented by being aware of a patient’s status before it becomes too severe. Recently having cared for a patient who had a PEWS which required the nurse to contact the Rapid Response Team (RRT), including the floor manager and attending physician, some members of the healthcare team were frustrated upon arriving to the patient’s room to find that the client had calmed down. At a regional children’s hospital, the protocol is as follows: no intervention is needed for a PEWS of 0-2, a score of 3 requires contact with the charge nurse, score of 4 requires contact with a mid-level provider, and scores of 5 and above require a rapid response team and resuscitation if indicated. At the conclusion of this project, research findings will be presented to the nurses on the unit regarding the benefits of the Pediatric Early Warning Score system so they are able to see the evidence-based practice behind the importance of this tool. “Cationic Polymerization of Beta-Pinene via Methyl Stearate and Trityl Borate Addition” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Kevin C. Ledden (Portage, MI) Research Advisor: Amelia Anderson-Wile (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) Due to the falling economy and the raising of prices, the production of materials from renewable resources is becoming increasingly important. A specific class of natural polymers that we are attracted to is that which is derived from cyclic monoterpenes. They are expected to display desirable thermal properties, as well as reliable mechanical properties, due to the presence of the cyclohexane ring that is part of the polymer backbone. Despite the use of terpenes in some commercial products, many of the materials obtained from the cationic polymerization of the monomers are not well defined. This often leads to poor mechanical properties. However, recent light has shown on living carbocationic polymerization. This process of polymerization has made the production of materials

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with higher molecular weights and lower/narrower polydispersities possible. Once living polymerization conditions have been achieved for a variety of terpene monomers and promising homopolymers identified, block copolymers will be synthesized for thermoplastic elastomer applications. The ultimate goal of the research described herein is to produce polymers from β-pinene (acquired from pine sap) in conjunction with methyl stearate and trityltetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate to yield optimal thermal and mechanical characteristics. “Change in Fish Populations in Grand Lake St. Mary's” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Tyler Nelson Thomas (Carmel, IN) Research Advisor: Terry Keiser (Biological and Allied Health Sciences, ONU) ONU Faculty Sponsor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) During the past decade, residents of Mercer County have witnessed the water quality of Grand Lake St. Mary’s rapidly deteriorate. Fishing, swimming, and other recreational water activities that attract tourism were all diminished because of fears about the safety of touching the water. After identifying the problem as being massive amounts of blue-green algae, a great deal of effort was committed to determining what was causing this. Researchers concluded that the most probable cause of the algae was the runoff from various farms near the lake. Addressing this issue has proved to be an extremely challenging task, and multiple approaches have been taken in an attempt to clean up the lake. Some of these approaches included setting up multiple dredges in the lake to stir up the sediment at the bottom, as well as dumping huge amounts of aluminum sulfate in the lake to help get rid of the algae. Overall, this has been a costly effort that has yet to fully solve this immense problem. This project will showcase the change in fish populations in Grand Lake St. Mary’s over time, to portray any changes or trends that have occurred. “Characterization of Mullein Extracts and Antimicrobial Effects against Ear Infections” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Adriana M. Jones (Mentor, OH); Kalie Gargano (Hermitage, PA) Research Advisors: VA Motz, LM Young, (Biological and Allied Health Sciences, ONU) Additional Researchers: CP Bowers (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU), DH Kinder (Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, ONU) Common Mullein (Verbascusm thapsus L.) was introduced from Europe to North America in the 1700’s as a fish toxin to aid in fishing. The leaves have been and continue to be used to treat a variety of respiratory problems. The Cherokee infused the flowers in oil to treat children’s earaches, and they are used similarly by herbalists today but have not been adequately documented by the scientific community. This study investigated the efficacy of mullein flower extracts in inhibiting growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common causative agent of ear aches and compared this activity to antibiosis against bacteria not specifically associated with earaches. Further, extracts were analyzed by GC/MS to determine which constituents could account for antimicrobial activity. Kirby Bauer testing of hexane extracts exhibited no antibiosis. Ethanolic and hot methanolic

extracts of mullein flowers were minimally inhibitory against Streptococcus epidermidis, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and ineffective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escheriscia coli. However, significant inhibition of Streptococcus pneumonia was observed in some but not all extracts. GC-MS analysis of these extracts allow for correlations between chemical composition and antibiotic activity to be discussed. “Chemometric Determination of Carvone Enantiomers Using beta-Cyclodextrin” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Jerod J. Hurst (Southington, OH) Research Advisor: Nicole Dickson (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) Quantification of enantiomers for mixtures has mostly relied on the use of liquid chromatography with the use of a beta-cyclodextrin column. Beta-cylcodextrin has been widely used as an agent to complex with chiral molecules inside of a column allowing for separation of enantiomers based on physical orientation of molecules within the cyclodextrin ring. An alternative method for quantifying enantiomers of carvone was developed using fluorescence emission spectroscopy and the use of chemometrics. Two differing methods for sample preparation were used to compare the effects on prediction of each component. The results of these methods will be compared. “Classical Marxism and Communication: An Analysis Including Modern Application and Alternative Theoretical Perspectives” Paper, Noon Conf. Rm. 7 Presenter: Aaron M. Spence (Celina, OH) Research Advisor: Robert Carrothers (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice, ONU) In modern times, revolutions in communication technology have paved the way for the exchange of ideas to become easier than ever before: through the use of technological advances in the field of wireless electronics, communication has become effortless, more people can be contacted, is now cheaper, and is now instantaneous.

In order to identify how these institutions have changed the way they operate, sociological theorists attempt to observe unifying traits across a society over time, and seek to realize the balance of the properties of order and action within a society. It is for this reason that it is prominent to compare social elements to both new and old sociological theories, and one of the most significant advocates of worldwide unification in any context is theorist Karl Marx. Marx posits that a universal unification is essential to reach an ideal society, which will require worldwide communication. Therefore, it becomes necessary to observe how communication fits in Marx's theory, how it currently operates in modern society, how it could possibly be adapted or translated to work with Marx's theory, and also how both flaws in implementation and the theory itself might inhibit societal development, or how such could be improved upon.' “Core Measures for the New Graduate” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Kimberly M. Bowman (Wooster, OH) Research Advisor: Susan Montenery (Nursing, ONU) Core measures are evidence-based, scientifically researched standards of care, which have been shown

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to result in improved clinical outcomes. Core measures reduce mortality and morbidity, complications, and readmissions back into the hospital. For this capstone project, senior nursing students in a baccalaureate program were evaluated on their knowledge and understanding of core measures using a pretest-posttest model. After surveying the class, a learning need regarding core measures was confirmed. An educational intervention was provided in the form of a PowerPoint, discussing each core measure in depth, and showing the significance of core measures in the health care setting. A simplified version of the core measures was also given to each student in a worksheet form to be used as a study tool as they enter into professional practice. All students increased their knowledge and comprehension of core measures after the education intervention. The results of this study can be used to integrate further education and reinforcement of core measures within the curriculum. “Custom-developed Reverse-phase HPLC Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Vitamins C and K3 in Compounded Capsules” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Mohamad Hassoun (Hamilton, Canada) Research Advisor: Yousif Rojeab (Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, ONU) Additional Researcher: Deirdre Myers Efficient, selective, rugged, simple and sensitive isocratic RP-HPLC method for simultaneous quantification of vitamins C and K3 was developed and validated. This method consisted of UV-detection at 254 nm and RP-C18 column. Mobile phase consisted of 50% methanol, 49% water and 1% glacial acetic acid, at flow rate of 1 mL/min. Injection volume (100 µL) consisted of varied concentrations of both vitamins (0.5 – 50 µg/mL) mixed with vitamin E (internal standard) in 1:1:2 volume ratio. Clear baseline resolution was achieved for all three compounds with retention times of 1.9, 3.3 and 4.3 min for vitamins C, K3 and E, respectively. The method exhibited excellent linearity over the entire concentration range for both vitamins with R2 of ≥ 0.9991. Intra-day (n = 6) accuracy ranged from 92.24 – 101.97% and 99.39 – 106.70% for vitamins C and K3, respectively, while those for the inter-day assays (n = 12) ranged from 96.88 – 99.08% and 91.67 – 100.38%. This HPLC method was successfully implemented in quantification of vitamins C and K3 in compounded capsules containing the two ingredients to ensure content uniformity. These capsules were administered orally in a clinical trial aimed at evaluating any beneficial effect(s) of this vitamin mixture on postoperative total joint arthroplasty. “Deficient Bridges in Ohio” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Mitchell W. Gibson (Leipsic, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) American bridges have continued to become deficient throughout the years. Bridge deterioration will continue to worsen over the year and eventually drastic measures will need to be taken to reverse the problem. This research looks at the number of bridges in Ohio that are deficient and compares them to the age of the bridge as well as the annual daily traffic in the surrounding area. Historical bridges are also included in the research.

“Determining Stress-induced Heart Rate and Respiration Rate of Electronic vs. Physical Game Playing” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Kirsten Maag (Ottawa, OH); Dominique McKee (Cleveland Heights, OH); Natalia Buczkowski (Rocky River, OH); Leannyn Rotert (Mentor, OH) Research Advisors: V Motz, R Suniga, N Woodley (Biological and Allied Health Sciences, ONU) American society relies heavily on technology. Academic institutions of all levels are moving towards using more electronic books for students, as opposed to typical textbooks. The impact of increased electronic interactivity on stress levels has not been fully studied. This study examined whether additional stress is added by playing the same strategy game in virtual format compared to physical format. Heart rates and respiratory rates of five females and five males were measured for thirty minutes of game play on both versions of the game Rush Hour. Participants were asked to indicate their perceived stress levels before and after game play and the amount of time normally spent on the computer to assess comfort with computer activities. No significant difference in HR or RR was observed during play as analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA and nor in virtual vs. physical game play by paired t-tests at α = 0.05. In the administered survey, female participants reported higher perceived stress levels than males and none spent less than one hour per day on a computer. Although previous surveys have reported participants preferred the physical format of the material, subjects in this study have reported to prefer the computer. “Development of a New Class of Phospine Ligands from Biorenewable Sources” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Haley Armstrong (Sylvania, OH) Research Advisor: Bradley Wile (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) A new class of phosphine ligands derived from naturally occurring aromatic alcohols is presented. Characterization using 1H and 31P NMR, IR spectroscopy, and gas chromatography is included. Potential applications include a greener production of polymers. “Downtown Columbus Streetscape” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Andrew Thomas Crozier (Ada, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) The city of Columbus has undergone a recent revival of urban renewal efforts in the downtown region in the last 13 years. One of the major components of the city government’s redevelopment plans is the updating of roads in the downtown core. This is being accomplished by the Columbus Downtown Streetscape Plan. The plan was adopted in June, 2000 and is still being implemented. A geographic information system is used to map the progress of the implementation of the streetscape plan and includes what was done to the streets to bring them in line with the new design requirements. The project identifies streets that have been converted from one way to two way, implementation of green street designs, added greenery, and the addition of granite curbs and bike lanes.

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“Effect of Extracellular Potassium on Frog Muscle Contraction Force” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Adriana M. Jones (Mentor, OH); Lauryn Zielinski (Springboro, OH); Lena Carlson (Perrysburg, OH); Kalie Gargano (Hermitage, PA) Research Advisors: V Motz, R Suniga, N Woodley (Biological and Allied Health Sciences, ONU) Muscle cramps are painful, sustained muscle contractions commonly experienced by individuals following exercise. Potassium ions play a critical role both in establishing resting membrane potential and in repolarizing skeletal muscle membrane following action potential. This effects calcium release leading to skeletal muscle contraction. This study investigated the effects of normal, excess, and deficient concentrations of extracellular potassium on the force of contraction of frog gastrocnemius muscles (n=3). Following fatigue in standard Krebs buffer, isolated gastrocnemius muscles were submerged in baths with oxygenated (95% O2, 5% CO2) modified Krebs solutions (normal, high, and low potassium) and stimulated via the sciatic nerve using a handheld stimulator at 25 Hz until fatigued. Muscles were stimulated at the voltage of pre-fatigue maximal force and post-fatigue force was recorded. Both higher and lower concentrations of extracellular potassium resulted in significantly decreased post-fatigue contractile force (ANOVA p<0.05). Possible explanations include changes in refractory period decreasing likelihood of re-stimulation or decreased tissue responsiveness in second fatigue cycle. The findings of the study do not support high potassium diets as prevention of exercise associated muscle cramping. Follow up studies should test force at altered concentration prior to normal concentration to better reflect dietary influence. “Effective Nursing Communication and Improving Patient Satisfaction Scores” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Brent Kramp (Mt. Vernon, OH) Research Advisor: Susan Montenery (Nursing, ONU; ICU Stepdown Floor, St. Rita's Medical Center, ONU) Effective communication is an essential component of nursing care. A goal on 4K, the ICU stepdown/telemetry floor, at St. Rita’s Hospital is to improve patient satisfaction scores. Providing detailed explanations of patient care to the patients and their families can decrease anxiety related to being hospitalized and raise satisfaction scores. The method for this project is to talk with patients about all of the care that they are receiving. Sometimes nurses forget to explain everything that they are doing and why they are doing it. Explaining little components of care such as obtaining vital signs and restricted diets and the more intrusive aspects of care such as invasive treatments and procedures will help patients understand their plan of care better. Patients who were being discharged were surveyed about their hospital stay. These surveys provided insight into whether or not more effective communication leads to better satisfaction scores. These surveys also revealed detailed information about how nurses could better care for patients in order to receive higher satisfaction scores. Overall patients who were better informed about their care, regardless of their disease state or condition, were more appreciative and satisfied with their hospital stay.

“Effectiveness of an Educational Unit in Phlebotomy” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Ashley R. Baumer (Wapakoneta, OH) Research Advisor: Lisa Walden (Nursing, ONU; Wyandot Memorial Hospital, ONU) With today's budget cuts, small hospitals are leaning more on current employees to cross-train and work in multiple departments. This poses the need for on-the-job training. I have developed a phlebotomy training module to aid in training current hospital employees to draw blood if hiring full-time phlebotomists is not feasible. The module will consist of power point sessions that include reading, pictures, audio, and video demonstrations to teach the basic art of phlebotomy. It is meant to be paired with practicing the techniques between sessions as set forth by hospital protocol.

The test subjects will consist of eight individuals from the Professional Association of Medical Laboratory Students group at Ohio Northern University. These students range from ages 18-22, and they have no prior phlebotomy knowledge. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the training module, the test participants will be given a pre- and post-assessment on basic venipuncture procedures. The results of the two quizzes will be compared, making the module's success measurable. The end goal of this presentation is to provide adequate training for any healthcare professional to master the basic techniques of phlebotomy. “Effects of Various Linker Moieties in Porphyrin Polymers for Use in Organic Photovoltaic Devices: A Computational Investigation” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Zachary L. Dunn (Harrod, OH) Research Advisor: Trilisa Perrine (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) Additional Researchers: Morgan Hammer, Ashley Ernst, Benjamin Topham Solar energy is one major area of research in the alternative energy field. Current photovoltaic devices are based upon silicon, but they are rather expensive to produce. If photovoltaic devices were instead based upon organic materials, they would be more cost effective to produce; the stumbling block here is developing organic photovoltaic devices that are as efficient as their silicon counterparts. One class of organic molecules that is showing promise in this area is polymers based upon porphryin, due to the fact that porphyrin molecules are capable of absorbing light in the visible region of the EM spectrum and their extended π-conjugated systems allow for good electron transport pathways. In this study, a series of porphyrin oligomers for use in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices were studied with a variety of linker moieties between the porphyrin rings, many of which are based on pnictogen and chalcogen heterocycles. The electronic properties of these porphyrin oligomers were studied computationally using density functional theory with the B3LYP functional and the LANL2DZ basis set. An optimal oligomer would be one which has a minimal HOMO-LUMO gap while retaining delocalization in these orbitals. These criteria were used in order to optimize the wavelengths and amount of incident light the OPV devices absorb. Trends within groups and across periods were evident and arsole (an arsenic based heterocycle) was found to exhibit the best properties. Additional promising organic polymers were also explored.

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“Engineering Employment: Past, Present, and Future” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Kyle J. Wrentmore (Mayfield Heights, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) With the recent dramatic employment drop across the United States over the previous 5 years, many people are searching for the strongest industries that can withstand recession. Engineering, specifically civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, and computer science, has been shown to be one of these industries. An investigation of the locations of these employment opportunities may be displayed using current geographical information system technology. This project investigates and compares engineering employment in the United States of the past, present, and future. “Environmental Threats to National Parks” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Lucas Erickson (Lima, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (Biological and Allied Health Sciences, ONU) In recent history, humans have become aware of the negative ways in which we threaten the environment. High profile species like the emerald ash borer have brought awareness to the risks posed by invasive species, industrializing nations such as China and India are highlighting the problems caused by pollution, and constant media attention in the past decade has brought attention to the risks of global climate change. In return, efforts have been made to preserve and restore natural environments. One effort to do so is the United States National Parks Service, which protects areas around the country. However, it can be difficult to protect against many environmental threats, as they can travel far from their sources. My research analyzes national parks in the eastern United States to see the extent that they are affected by factors such as invasive species and pollution to determine how well they are protected. “Examination of Rehabilitation Protocol for Quadriceps Tendon Rupture following ACL Reconstruction via Patellar Tendon Graft” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Jeremy Jones (Beavercreek, OH); Rachael Graham (Lima, OH) Research Advisor: Kurt Wilson (Human Performance and Sport Sciences, ONU) Purpose: Looking at a conservative rehabilitation program to help an individual who suffered a quad tendon rupture during the course of his ACL rehabilitation. Case Description: A 23-year-old male soccer player suffered a left knee injury on November 16th, 2011. The athlete landed on his left knee, rotated, and heard a pop within his knee. Following evaluation, athletic trainer did not believe the ACL to be torn. Initial x-ray came back negative. The MRI followed, which indicated left ACL tear and meniscus involvement. On February 14, 2012 suffered secondary knee injury. He was going down the stairs of his house, fell, and rotated his left knee. MRI was repeated and showed ruptured left quadriceps tendon. Athlete underwent reattachment surgery. Outcomes: Athlete was in phase three of the rehabilitation program. After secondary injury,

rehabilitation had to be reverted back to initial stages. The orthopedist recommended a combination conservative rehabilitation of the ACL and quad tendon grafts. Athlete is now 13 months post quad tendon reconstruction and 15 months post ACL reconstruction .Rehab is still in progress. Athlete has been slowly improving with each rehabilitation session. Discussion: Different ACL and quad tendon rehabilitation protocols have been extensively researched and compared independently. Little research has been done in combination situations. Case report casts an overview of the rehabilitation process and specific contraindications involved with a combination ACL tear and quad tendon rupture. “Exploring School District Performance in Ohio” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: James R. Montgomery (Ashtabula, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) In recent years, the United States government has become more and more concerned with enhancing the performance of public schools. With the rise in popularity and availability of online resources, parents of school-age children have also become increasingly concerned with the issue. School districts are usually rated based on standardized test scores and graduation rates of their students but there are a multitude of factors that influence these performance levels, such as local crime rates, economic status, and even environmental conditions. This study identifies the factors that have the greatest influence on Ohio school district performance to determine why some districts show results that differ significantly from those in their immediate area. “Guinness: Where to Acquire ‘the Black Stuff’” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: David Kauffman (Wadsworth, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) During a recent family excursion to Ireland, my taste buds were introduced to a most wonderful local beverage: Guinness. Any pub I went to I was sure I could get a pint of this delectable brew, but in the States it is another story. Guinness’s popularity has grown in the States over the past years, but it still is not the easiest of imports to find. The goal of this project is to locate where one can get a hold of “the black stuff.” “Gun Control and the Second Amendment” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Brad Nungester (Harrod, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice, ONU) Recently throughout the United States there has been talk and action trying to limit or take away gun rights all together based on different interpretations of the Second Amendment. This is being done from city halls such as Chicago where a city wide gun ban was attempted all the way to the White House where President Obama is attempting to enact a nationwide ban of certain weapons. Actions such as these are taking guns away from those citizens who hold guns legally while nothing can be done to stop the illegal purchasing of firearms. Some politicians feel that taking guns away from everyone is the only way to stop the tragic shootings which occurred in Newtown,

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Connecticut or Aurora, Colorado. Politicians are taking the guns away from law abiding citizens who only use them for personal protection and are declaring open season for criminals who know that no one else will be armed when these gun bans are enacted officially. Legal gun ownership has no effect on gun crime. As my research will show the answer is in better policing strategies and less strict gun laws for law abiding citizens. “Hard Times for Children: An Analysis of How Children Are Portrayed in Dickens’ Hard Times” Paper, 10:00 a.m. Conf. Rm. 7 Presenter: Gayle L Riedel (New Washington, OH) Research Advisor: John Paul Kanwit (English, ONU) This presentation looks at the children characters in Charles Dickens’s novel, Hard Times for These Times, and various depictions of Victorian Period children, both in the novel and in artwork of the novel. Hard Times is traditionally seen as a commentary on industrialization, but it also has a clear message about raising children. Critics argue about whether or not the Victorian Period was the first time that childhood was viewed as completely separate from adulthood. This project includes research on the view of childhood during the Victorian Period, commentary on Hard Times, and research on illustrations of the novel and what they can tell a reader of the text. Hard Times shows how raising children as if they were adults is incorrect, but does not give a clear alternative to contemporary readers. The illustrations, both from Dickens’s contemporaries and more recent artists, depict children as small adults, regardless of Dickens’s feelings on the subject, and are products of stereotypes of the Victorian Period. “HCAHPS: It Takes Everyone” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Brooks M. Bukowy (North Canton, OH) Research Advisor: Susan Montenery (Nursing, ONU; 5200A, Akron General Medical Center) The HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) is a standardized survey given to patients after stays in hospital that accept government funding. Its purpose is to supply public data to consumers about important aspects of hospitals’ care. At Akron General Medical Center, on unit 5200A, medication communication is one of the lowest scoring topic areas. To improve this, a teaching intervention was presented to the unit and also to senior baccalaureate nursing students at Ohio Northern University about this topic area. A basic medication flyer including medication group types (e.g. antibiotics, steroids, pain medications), expected therapeutic results, side effects, and patient instructions was given out in order to facilitate improved medication communication. Feedback from the unit manager and staff was positive and students reported increased understanding of HCAHPS. Increased awareness of the HCAHPS is crucial to increasing patient satisfaction. “Highway Quality in Franklin County, Ohio” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Ben Ankrom (Circleville, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) Columbus, Ohio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. Its highways are used by thousands of

people every day. As highway-users, we want our highways smooth and our traffic free-flowing. Just how smooth and free-flowing are the highways in Columbus? Using information provided by the Ohio Transportation (ODOT), every interstate, U.S., and state road in Franklin County is analyzed in numerous categories such as average daily traffic, international roughness index, speed limit, and functional class. Geographic information systems (GIS) are used to display this information in a visual, comprehensible way that shows the quality of the service that Columbus highways provide. With these data, areas are pinpointed that may need the attention of engineering firms so that they can be improved. “Human Trafficing in Ohio Counties in 2010 and 2011” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenters: James William Lee (Frankfort, OH); Jordan Scott Turner (Casstown, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) The purpose of this research was to map out human trafficking calls in Ohio counties from the years 2010 and 2011. The data was from the Polaris Project website and was inputed into a geographical information systems database and was used to create the map. The results indicated that more populated cities and towns by larger highways and interstates had more calls placed. Implications for increasing awareness for the problem of human trafficking in Ohio. “Identification of ‘Silent’ 5HT1b Receptors in the Mouse Aorta” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Paige M. Garber (Cincinnati, OH) Research Advisor: Boyd Rorabaugh (Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, ONU) Additional Researcher: Nathaniel Mabe Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a neurotransmitter known to play a role in modulating vascular tone. The actions of serotonin are mediated by13 different types of serotonin receptors. Previous studies have demonstrated that some blood vessels express “silent” 5-HT1 receptors that are not coupled to contraction of vascular smooth muscle under basal conditions but are coupled to contraction if the tissue has been previously precontracted with a nonserotonergic stimulus. The mouse aorta is commonly used as a model to study the effects of neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate vascular function. Previous work has demonstrated that serotonin-induced contraction of the aorta is mediated primarily by 5-HT2A receptors. However, it is unclear whether 5-HT1B receptors contribute to this response. The goal of this study was to determine whether 5-HT1 receptors are coupled to contraction in the mouse aorta. We found that serotonin-induced contraction of the aorta is blocked by a 5-HT2A-selective antagonist (M100907) confirming that 5-HT2A receptors are coupled to serotonin-induced contraction of the aorta. CP93129 (5HT1B receptor-selective agonist) alone induced no contractile response in the aorta. However, CP93129 produced a robust contractile response in aortas that were partially precontracted with either phenylephrine or potassium chloride. This effect was blocked by GR55562, a 5-HT1B receptor antagonist. These data demonstrate that serotonin-induced contraction of the mouse aorta

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is mediated primarily by the 5-HT2A receptor. However, 5-HT1B receptors are coupled to aortic contraction if the tissue has been previously exposed to a nonserotonergic contractile agent. These data establish the mouse aorta as a model system to study the mechanism by which 5-HT1B receptors act in a synergistic fashion with other contractile stimuli in vascular smooth muscle. “Identifying a Component of Thyme Extractions through GC-MS Characterization” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Michael Herman (Leesville, OH) Research Advisor: Christopher Bowers (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) In previous studies at Ohio Northern University, GC-MS analyses of ethanol extracts of locally grown thyme plants showed an unexpected component. While not conclusively identified, the presence of this component did not appear to be generally reported in the existing literature. Current work is focused on verifying that this component is actually present in the thyme leaves and not an artifact formed during sample preparation. Additional effort is directed toward conclusive identification of this component via the synthesis of candidate compounds. “Imine Ligands Appended to a Polyethylene Glycol Framework” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Lindsay C. Wiener (Cincinnati, OH) Research Advisor: Bradley Wile (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) Progress towards the synthesis of a series of new ligands featuring a PEG moiety is described. These ligands are intended for use in supporting transition metal complexes for aqueous-phase catalysis and recycling. “Improving Isolation Education for Patients and Families” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Daniel Cory Peeples (Edon, OH) Research Advisor: Susan Montenary and Robin White (Nursing, ONU; Adult Intermediate Care Floor, Promedica Toledo Hospital) Infection control is an essential component in healthcare. Nurses and healthcare providers must adhere to isolation precautions in order to prevent the spread of disease to other patients. In addition, family members must be educated on isolation measures to reduce transmission as well as reduce anxiety. In speaking with nursing staff and the unit manager at Toledo Hospital, families and patients have questions about isolation and the nursing staff has not consistently been providing written teaching materials. Research was conducted on the different types of isolation, and a teaching project was designed to provide patients and families with important information about isolation. Feedback on the new educational handout was provided by nursing staff and the unit manager. This handout has been provided to the facility with plans to gain approval for implementation. “Improving Transfusion Safety Using Mechanical Barriers: A Comparative Study of the BloodLoc Safety System and Typenex FinalCheck” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge

Presenter: Stephen Pavlock (Wheeling, WV) Research Advisor: Lisa Walden (Nursing, ONU; Clinical Laboratory, Blanchard Valley Hospital) Over 20 million blood components are transfused in the United States annually. In 2011, 58 transfusion-related fatalities were reported; 50% of which were directly caused by human error. In an effort to reduce, if not eliminate, transfusion-related errors at the patient bedside, mechanical barriers are sometimes used. These devices lock the bag containing blood products designated for transfusion, and the lock can only be opened using a unique code that is found on the patient’s transfusion wristband. The BloodLoc Safety System has been in use for 12 years in a 150-bed hospital in NW Ohio. In this study, the Typenex FinalCheck was tested as a possible replacement for the BloodLoc. The FinalCheck was tested on 20 patients in the Infusion Therapy Department using the normal hospital transfusion procedure, but the FinalCheck was used in place of the BloodLoc. Nurses and laboratory technicians were then surveyed on the usability of the FinalCheck. A cost-analysis was also done to determine feasibility of replacement. All surveyed nurses and laboratory technicians stated they preferred the FinalCheck over the BloodLoc and found it easier to use. The cost per unit was also lower for the FinalCheck than the BloodLoc. “Infection Precautions” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Angela Grebetz (Oceanside, CA) Research Advisor: Susan Montenery (Nursing, ONU; Intensive Care Unit, Kindred Healthcare Lima) Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is the family of superbugs that has emerged and is affecting patients, families, and health professionals. This leads to increased costs on all fronts. Universal precautions are critical in protecting all involved. This capstone project focuses on researching the different types of isolation equipment used, and rationale. The goal of this project is to create a handout for healthcare professionals, patients, and their families specifically in the intensive care setting. It will be available at the nurses’ station as well as provided to patients and families upon admittance. It will contain information about CRE as well as education about preventing the spread of infection. CRE infections typically occur with patients dependent on ventilators, use of urinary catheters, IV catheters, as well as those on long-term treatments of antibiotics. Due to CRE infections being very difficult to treat, as well as posing as the biggest threat to patient safety, it is important that those who are in the ICU setting be educated in the prevention of these types of infections. “Interest and Instruction: Improving College Students’ Sleep Hygiene” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Amanda Kathryn Amstutz (Bluffton, OH); Hayley O'Hara (Painesville, OH) Research Advisor: Megan M. Clegg-Kraynok (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice, ONU) Introduction: College students often report poor sleep, which has negative implications for their everyday mood, academic performance, and overall health. The best way to improve sleep is to routinely engage in good sleep habits, such as maintaining a regular bedtime and a comfortable sleeping area. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation of sleep-

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specific instruction and interest in such instruction with utilization of good sleep hygiene. Method: As part of a 15-week sleep-specific course for incoming freshmen, students completed a survey asking participants to report frequency of days they engaged in good sleep habits, such as maintain a regular bed time and avoiding caffeine, during an average week. At the beginning of the study, participants also ranked how interested they were in learning about sleep. Participants (N=20) were primarily female (n=18) and white (n=17). Results: A repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated that participants’ engagement in good sleep habits improved over the 15-week period (Mtime1=36.48,Mtime2=41.58,Mtime3=41.88,Mtime4=44.10) [F(3,17)=8.806;p=.001]. Furthermore, a repeated-measures ANOVA assessing the relation between interest (categorized as low and high) and frequency of good sleep habits indicated a main effect of interest, such that those with moderate interest in sleep reported more good sleep habits (M=44.28) than those with high interest (M=39.24) [F(3, 16)=7.462;p=.002;d=2.14]. Conclusion: Participant sleep hygiene improved over the duration of the study suggesting college students, at risk for poor sleep hygiene, benefit from education about the science of sleep. Moreover, participants with moderate interest in learning about sleep reported more good sleep habits than those with high interest, suggesting that high interest participants might have pre-existing sleep difficulties, triggering their interest, but that education improves sleep habits. As universities work to improve quality of students’ lives and performance, sleep education should be considered an impactful and cost-effective intervention to implement early in students’ academic careers. “Internet Fraud Victimization” Paper, Noon Conf. Rm. 7 Presenters: Andrew Gray (Bellefontaine, OH); James Call (Miamisburg, OH); Holly J. Evans (Independence, OH) Research Advisor: Keith Durkin (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice, ONU) The purpose of this research is to examine the applicability of the General Theory of Crime (Gottfredson and Hirschi, 1990) to victimization in Internet job scams involving money mules. The six basic characteristics of low self-control are used to analyze victimization. A preliminary qualitative analysis of statements made by individuals who have fallen victim to these Internet scams is reported. These results suggest that preference for simple tasks, paired with risk seeking and impulsive behaviors, are potential causes of this phenomenon. Implications of the findings for the broader phenomenon of Internet fraud victimization are discussed. “Investigation of a Safe, Efficient Method of Haloether Synthesis Derived from Trans-cinnamic Acid” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Aaron J. Sullivan (Louisville, OH) Research Advisor: Brian Myers (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) Additional Researcher: Laura Allen For a number of years, students taking organic chemistry at Ohio Northern University have routinely completed the reaction of trans-cinnamic acid with bromine in carbon tetrachloride to produce the solid

dibrominated product. Even though bromine is a volatile and highly corrosive liquid, this reaction has continued to be implemented resulting in several minor burns to students even with the implementation of new safety procedures. The removal of bromine would solve the safety problems encountered with this reaction.

Several alternative methods for brominating double bonds without the use of liquid bromine such as generating bromine in situ from hydrobromic acid and using pyridinium tribromide as the bromine source have been investigated but they still pose hazards for the students and laboratory assistants.

Another approach to the replacement of bromine is the use of the commercially available, solid, relatively safe, bromine-equivalent reagent N-bromosuccinimide. This reagent can be used to develop an experiment that would help students better understand the reaction mechanism of haloether formation. We have developed and optimized the reaction with N-bromosuccinimide and trans-cinnamic acid using sulfuric acid and methanol to generate the haloether product with formidable yields. “Know What You Are Up Against with RSV” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Kelli Lynch (Lexington, KY) Research Advisor: Susan Montenery (Nursing, ONU; Pediatrics, Lima Memorial Hospital) Many parents in the clinical setting are unaware of what Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is and how severe it can be. RSV can be what nurses describe as a “cold” or it could also put an infant in respiratory distress and require intubation. Some parents may have had previous experience, while others may be experiencing RSV for the first time. The purpose of this project is to design a pamphlet for parents to receive upon admission with RSV so they may be more aware of what may occur during the hospital stay. The pamphlet was refined after collaborating with pediatric staff and the unit manager at Lima Memorial Hospital. As a result of the educational initiative, parents can be more prepared and comfortable with what might happen. “Measurement of Plasma Sheath Using Dust” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Thomas E. Steinberger (Ada, OH) Research Advisor: Terrence Sheridan (Physics and Astronomy, ONU) Plasma is an electrically conducting gas made of ionized atoms and electrons. The plasma sheath is the boundary layer separating the plasma from a material surface. In plasma processing, energy that ions gain in the sheath is used to modify materials such as silicon, creating electronic devices like iPhones. We present the results of experiments in the Dusty O.N.U. experimenT (D.ONU.T) measuring properties of the plasma sheath using microscopic dust motes. “Myths and Realities: Are ONU Students Logically Consistent in Their Political Beliefs?” Paper, 10:00 a.m. Conf. Rm. 7 Presenter: John Alexander Curiel (Crystal Lake, IL) Research Advisor: Rebecca Brooks (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice; Institute for Social Research, ONU) Political science research establishes party identification as a stable “unmoved mover” which acts

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as the lens through which we view the world. However, the significance of party identification on opinion formation in college students is not as well known. Critics often condemn party identification as an obstacle to knowledge and uphold Independents as the wise voter. Further, many speculate that since Ohio Northern is located in a Republican area, students are overwhelmingly Republican. We convenience group sampled 232 students with a 34 question survey to determine ONU’s political affiliation, political opinions and the validity of the above claims. We found that students are primarily Republican, although not to the level students speculated, along with statistically significant differences between party groups. Further, our research shows that sampled Republicans, not Democrats, demonstrated correlations on political issues and as a whole more opinionated. However, Republicans were more likely to form opinions that were not logically consistent to each other. Independents on the other hand proved more likely than Democrats but less likely than Republicans to form opinion pairs, although the existing pairs were logically consistent. When applied to knowledge on current events, similar patterns emerged to demonstrate significant effects of party identification. “Obesity: Is McDonald's to Blame?” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Brian C. Klingenberg (Logan, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) The fast food industry is very popular because it is easy to swing by a McDonald’s or Taco Bell on the way to work, school, or if you are out and about. Everyone knows that the three most important parts of real estate is location, location, location. The goal of this project will show a relationship between obesity and income per county to McDonald’s per county, if any. In addition to this map, a map will show the distribution of McDonald’s in relation to highways and cities. “Occupy Wall Street and Its Connection to Marxism and NeoWeberian Theory” Paper, Noon Conf. Rm. 7 Presenter: Morgan Storm Humphrey (Shawnee, OH) Research Advisor: Robert Carrothers (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice, ONU) Occupy Wall Street was established as a revolt against the capitalistic society in which our world is emerged. My paper looks at OWS connection to Karl Marx' theory of class consciousness, revolution and the end result of communism, if successful. I will then compare and contrast OWS to a theorist whose focus is on NeoWeberian theory. The paper was produced through research on articles about OWS and Karl Marx. The hoped for result is to decide whether OWS will end in a communist revolt or diminish into oblivion without the proper support. “Optimization of Cationic Polymerization Mechanism for a Chemically Green Monomer: β-Pinene in Conjunction with [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4]” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Stephanie N. Moore (N Olmsted, OH) Research Advisor: Amelia Anderson-Wile (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) Due to rising prices and depleting supplies of petroleum, the production of materials from renewable resources is becoming increasingly important. A

particularly attractive class of natural polymers are those derived from cyclic monoterpenes as they are expected to display desirable thermal properties due to the presence of the cyclohexane ring in the polymer backbone. Despite the use of terpenes in some commercial products, many of the materials obtained from the cationic polymerization of these monomers are not well defined often leading to poor mechanical properties; however, the recent renaissance in living carbocationic polymerization has made the production of materials with higher molecular weights and lower polydispersities possible. Our research has tested conditional methods in order to optimize the polymerization process of beta-Pinene, a chemically green monomer. Through optimizing the polymerization process, we hope to grow a living polymer chain that can be used for additional application. The ultimate goal of the research described herein is to produce polymers from renewable resources that are attractive alternatives to materials obtained from petrochemical sources. “Origins of Popular Music” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Garret Freeman (Lafayette, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) Many people enjoy experiencing artistic entertainment in one manner or another. This may be in the form of books, movies, or in many cases music. The music industry is a multi-million dollar organization and brings many of the world’s best artists to light and in turn entertains people all over the world. If you ask anybody who their favorite musical artist or band is, you would be able to get a response from a majority of the people asked. If you were to pose a few more questions about the person’s favorite artist, it is likely that they could provide some sort of background information pertaining to the artists. This shows a deeper interest in the artist than just merely the songs that they create. This project presents some information such as genre, origin, albums sold and various rankings from respected musical authorities. The spatial analysis shows how these artists relate to each other in terms of location, genre, and popularity. This will be able to show geographically the most musically influential areas of the world in each genre and as a whole as well. “OTO Care: Educating Future Providers to Improve Patient Care” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Alicia Marie Palivoda (Parma, OH) Research Advisor: Susan Montenery (Nursing, ONU) Many nursing students do not have much exposure to OTO (otolaryngology) care and lack the knowledge and confidence to care for these patients. For my capstone project, I presented information to senior nursing students in the baccalaureate program on this type of post-operative care. While every facility will have its own policy and protocol, there will be similarities. This type of care involves frequent monitoring of vital signs, site checks, and providing detailed education to patients. Upon completion of the project, a survey was distributed to assess student’s self-report of the teaching-learning activity. Results were positive. The educational module will be provided to the unit manager at University Hospital, Cleveland to use for any nursing students caring for patients requiring OTO

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care and any other hospital staff that might use this information. “Pollution and Watersheds in Ohio” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Amber Goforth (Somerset, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (Biological and Allied Health Sciences, ONU) Pollution is known to be excessively present in today’s society and can be seen to negatively affect the environment. This study will be looking at one aspect of the environment in particular, watersheds in Ohio. For this project GIS technologies will be used to see the location of several pollution sources and the relationship to water discharge and quality of the closest watershed. This will hopefully illustrate the correlation between sources of pollution such as power plants and agricultural sources. A decreased water quality is expected near these sources. Discharge rates and quality of watersheds that are not close to a pollution source will be used to compare the qualities of less polluted watersheds to those that are close to a pollution source. “Preparation of New Schiff-base Ligands Using Thermal Methods and Microwave Irradiation” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Nicholas S. Cosgrove (Pontiac, IL); Andrew Bowser (Farmersville, OH) Research Advisor: Bradley Wile (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) Progress toward the synthesis of a series of new redox-active ligands bearing phosphine and sulfide moieties is described. These ligands are compared to the known sulfide analogues PMTPM and PBTPM. “Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Post-Operative Patient” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Alexa Hartman (Jenera, OH) Research Advisor: Susan Montenery (Nursing, ONU; Orthopedic and Neurology, Blanchard Valley Health System) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a dangerous complication in the post-operative patient. Prevention is a primary focus by the healthcare team. An evident knowledge deficit about DVT protocol and medications was identified in patients. As a result of consultation with the education director at Blanchard Valley Health System, an educational brochure was developed to explore equipment and medications implemented in the hospital protocol. This teaching tool explains Ted hose, impulse boots, and sequential devices. Medications, such as Lovenox and Xarelto were emphasized, including administration techniques. The brochure was presented to the education director and will undergo approval to be distributed to patients and their families. Above all, this tool emphasizes the mutual trust between healthcare providers and patients needed to keep patients safe and compliant with treatments. “Puritan Ministers: The Driving Force of the Salem Witch Trials” Paper, 10:00 a.m. Conf. Rm. 7 Presenter: Lindsey Paige DelBello (Williamsville, NY) Research Advisor: John Lomax (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU)

Several factors specific to the Salem witch trials made them much larger than all the other witch trials that occurred in colonial America. If these factors had not been present, the trials in Salem would have stopped sooner and fewer people would have died. They include recent wars with Native Americans, the revocation of the colonial charter, extreme social turmoil, and the failure of the Phips expedition. However, one factor that pushed the Salem witch trials to extremes was the influence of Puritan the ministers. Examination of the thinking and behavior of the ministers who were involved in the Salem witch hunt indicates that their influence contributed decisively to their larger, all-encompassing character. The residents of colonial Massachusetts were searching for someone to blame for their troubles. The outbreak of witch accusations in Salem gave Puritan ministers, especially Cotton Mather, an opening to direct them toward witchcraft as the underlying source of their problems. The direct and active involvement of Puritan ministers in the Salem trials enlarged, intensified, and extended them to a scope and scale unseen in any other witch proceeding in colonial America. “Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Does Political Money Equal Free Speech?” Paper, 10:00 a.m. Conf. Rm. 7 Presenter: Adam Downing (Grove City, OH) Research Advisors: JoAnn Scott and Robert Alexander (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) With the recent court decisions in Citizens United v. FEC (2010) and SpeechNow.org v. FEC (2010), the issue of campaign financing has become a persistent topic of discussion in American politics and elections. The 2012 election was characterized by Super PACs and large quantities of money being distributed to federal candidates. This paper analyzes the affect that these court rulings had on the structure of campaign financing and poses the question: "Does money equal free speech?" It is predicted that research will show recent changes to campaign financing support the idea that money does equal free speech. Implications and possible negative impacts of this core Constitutional idea on the American political system will be offered in this paper. “Quantification of Methanesulfonic Acid” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Elvira Tatarkov (Bluffton, OH) Research Advisor: Christopher Spiese (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) Methanesulfonic acid (MSA) is a sulfur-containing molecule that has been linked to the global sulfur cycle by the atmospheric oxidation of dimethylsulfide (DMS), a trace gas produced by some marine algae. Despite the fact that it is closely related to DMS and its precursor dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), production of MSA by marine phytoplankton has not been demonstrated. Previous studies have shown that MSA is produced indirectly during the oxidation of DMSP (C. Spiese, unpubl. data). Due to analytical difficulties, MSA has also not been quantified in either cells or ocean. This study aims to develop a method to accurately quantify MSA as its chlorinated derivative using gas chromatography. To date, MSA has been successfully extracted from aqueous solution using tetraheptylammonium hydroxide and derivatized with thionyl chloride and DMF. Future directions will include analysis of MSA in marine phytoplankton cultures and in seawater samples. Ultimately,

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quantification of MSA and confirmation of its production by DMSP-producing marine phytoplankton will enable a better understanding of its role in the global sulfur cycle. “Religion, the Human Spirit and the Church Environment” Paper, Noon Wishing Well Presenter: Matthew Stephen Rarey (Findlay, OH) Research Advisor: Alisa Agozzino (Communication and Theatre Arts, ONU) Architecture influences the ways in which humans interact during every minute of every day. We move between homes, office buildings, malls, concert halls, and schools driving, walking and biking to and from. Architectural environments from homes or businesses to whole cities each serve their own purpose and carry meaning. Many cities in history and even still have always had one thing in common and that is a worship place. Every aspect of a church has a purpose. The direction in which a church faces, where rooms are located within, pictures, paintings, the number of candles, crosses or Saints all mean something and have reason behind them. Humans have no choice but to be affected by the architectural environment and symbolism throughout churches. Getting to know how church attendees relate to the church community as a whole and their faith can be done through a survey indicating certain factors within a church environment and their effect on the attendee’s relations. Results, still to be determined, will show how much the church environment influences one’s experience in many different ways. Understanding how churches affect human interaction can help further knowledge on a large scale within communities. “Robotic Football” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Hunter M. Turner (Tipp City, OH); Shawn Pavel (Delphos, OH); Peter Kleysteuber (Fairborn, OH); Taylor Zank (Angola, IN); Loren Chase Camp (Zanesville, OH); Michael Horth (Akron, OH) Research Advisors: John-David Yoder, Sami Khorbotly (Smull College of Engineering, ONU) The 2012-2013 Robotic Football Capstone Team has designed and created an 10 member team of robots to compete against Notre Dame in the Mechatronic Football League. “Robotics Workcell” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Robert Sellers (Waynesville, OH); Abrim Mueller (Uniontown, OH); Kyle Raber (Wooster, OH); Katy Newman (Canton, OH); Nathan Albritton (New Carlisle, OH) Research Advisors: David Rouch and Steve Fisher (Technological Studies, ONU) In our presentation, we were given the task of creating a workcell. The workcell must contain a robot and must create something. Our group decided to create a chess piece. We will be using various processes to complete this task. The chess piece will be created by a CNC Lathe and will be transported around the workcell by the robot. The workcell will run smoothly each and every time with little to no human interaction. The entire workcell will run off of a normal wall outlet and roughly 100 psi of compressed air.

“Social Media Use by Law Schools and Their Admissions” Paper, Noon Wishing Well Presenter: Alexxys L. Ehresman (Attica, OH) Research Advisor: Alisa Agozzino (Communication and Theatre Arts, ONU) The purpose of this study is to continue to look at how academic institutions are using Facebook as an admissions tool. Instead of focusing on undergraduate institutions, the goal of this study is to focus on the top 5 law schools in the country and recognize if they use Facebook, what messages are they sending to applicants and students, and what social presence they carry. “Spectroscopic Exploration of Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Cross-conjugated Molecules” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Courtney M. Olson (Hayward, WI) Research Advisor: Nicole Dickson (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) Donor-acceptor cross-conjugated molecules have been shown to undergo intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). Fundamental knowledge of the electronic properties of these molecules will lead to the rational design of molecular electronics. Determining the effects of the solvent environment on ICT in donor-acceptor cross-conjugated molecules is an important step to using these molecules for electronics. Emission, excitation, and absorbance spectra, as well as fluorescence lifetimes, of 2-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-(4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)-butadiene (DAB) and 2,3-bis[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-1,3-butadiene-1,1,4,4,-tetracarbonitrile (DTB) were observed in different solvent environments. DAB was highly solvent dependent and formed dimers in solution as determined by the observation of concentration dependence in the absorbance spectra and fluorescence lifetimes. DTB showed no concentration dependence, but showed solvent dependence in the absorbance spectra. The molecules, though similar in structure, showed unique solvent dependence. An insight into the ICT processes can lead to improved design of molecular electronics. “Stress Administered Immediately before Learning Reduces False Memory Production and Enhances True Memory Recall in Females” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Andrea E. Kalchik (Zanesville, OH); David M. Peters (Canton, OH); Mackenzie M. Hoffman (Strongsville, OH); Rachael L. Aufdenkampe (Vermilion, OH); Kali L. Findley (North Baltimore, OH); Nicholas E. Wolters (Maria Stein, OH) Research Advisor: Phillip Zoladz (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice, ONU) Additional Researchers: Sarah A. Woelke, Jeffery N. Talbot (Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, ONU) Previous research has suggested that stress increases the production of false memories. However, as accumulating work has shown that the effects of stress on learning and memory depend critically on the timing of the stressor, we hypothesized that stress administered immediately prior to learning would reduce, rather than increase, false memory production. In the study, participants submerged their dominant hand in a bath of ice cold water (stress) or sat quietly (no stress) for 3 min. Then, participants completed a short-term memory task, in which they were presented

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with 10 different lists of semantically related words (e.g., candy, sour, sugar) and, after each list, were tested for their memory of presented words (e.g., candy), non-presented unrelated “distractor” words (e.g., hat), and non-presented semantically related “critical lure” words (e.g., sweet). Stress, overall, significantly reduced the number of critical lures recalled (i.e., false memory) by participants. In addition, stress enhanced memory for the presented words (i.e., true memory) in female, but not male, participants. These findings suggest that stress does not unequivocally enhance false memory production and have important implications for eyewitness testimony by implying that such testimony may be more accurate when assessed shortly after the witnessed event. “Student or Athlete: A Study of the Mentality of Division III Student Athletes” Paper, Noon Wishing Well Presenter: Katelyn A. Jones (Gibsonburg, OH) Research Advisor: Alisa Agozzino (Communication and Theatre Arts, ONU) The study conducted was used to research the mentality of Division III student athletes. A focus group looked at the time student participants allocated to their education and athletic related events. The group discussed whether or not student athletes had a different college experience than non-student athletes and if they associated their personal college experience more with their education or varsity sport. Results of the study will be shared with participants prior to the conclusion of the study. “Substituent Effects on the Band Gap and Donor Ability of Porphyrin-Based Systems for Polymeric OPV Applications” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Morgan A. Hammer (Findlay, OH) Research Advisor: Trilisa Perrine (Chemistry and Biochemistry, ONU) Additional Researchers: Zachary Dunn, Benjamin Topham The high expense of silicon-based photovoltaic materials has driven the design of organic polymeric alternatives. Starting from an experimentally tested porphyrin-heterocycle copolymer, we sought to extend the study of such copolymers through quantum chemical analysis. A variety of electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents were analyzed for their impact upon porphyrin HOMO/LUMO gap, electron distribution, and geometry. Selected substituents were further tested in conjunction with heterocyclic linkers to provide preliminary estimates for conjugation through porphyrin linkers that will be later probed through electron transport calculations. Computations were carried out at the density functional theory (DFT) level of theory using the B3LYP functional and LANL2DZ basis set. “Sulfur Adsorption on Gold: An Exercise in Computational Low-energy Electron Diffraction” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Ashley Ernst (McHenry, IL); Nathan Grieser (Springville, NY) Research Advisor: Mellita Caragiu (Physics and Astronomy, ONU) Gold - one of the less reactive elements in nature - has recently sparked the interest of the scientific

community through the properties of its surface. The Au(111) surface, under UHV conditions, reconstructs into a (22x√3) structure. Nevertheless, even a small amount of sulfur adsorbed on the Au(111) surface is enough to lift the reconstruction. As the amount of adsorbed sulfur increases, a succession of S/Au structures are formed, as recognized in low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) patterns. We report on the LEED computational analysis of one such phase: (√3x√3)R30º which corresponds, theoretically, to a 0.33ML sulfur coverage. Experimental evidence places this phase in coexistence with other phases on the Au substrate, therefore there is little expectation for a computational LEED investigation to answer the main question of the actual adsorption site of the atomic sulfur on the gold substrate. Still, as an exercise in computational LEED, we investigated several models for the (√3x√3)R30º structure, testing various adsorption sites for the sulfur atoms. We also considered the possibility of sulfur bonding to additional Au atoms, placed on top of the regular Au(111) surface, forming Au-S entities. “Summer 2012 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting and Environmental Effects” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Brittany A. Bianco (Lima, OH) Research Advisor: Brian Keas (Biological and Allied Health Sciences, ONU; Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve) ONU Faculty Sponsor: Harry Wilson In recent years, geographic information systems (GIS) have been used to illustrate population, elevation, sea level and other demographics that are applicable to biological studies. Nesting habits in loggerhead sea turtles (caretta caretta) are a popular area that marine biologists study. The reasons in which a female turtle does or does not nest on a beach are hard to distinguish; however, the effects of weather, humans, animals and other factors have a direct effect on the population dynamics. Loggerhead sea turtles have a relatively wide nesting distribution with about 67,000 nests being laid along the Florida coast every year. Since coastal regions have a direct relationship with the sea and wave activity, the impacts that the abiotic and biotic factors have on the sea turtle nests is great. If a nest becomes too wet, the eggs can drown and never hatch. After a storm, the nest can be washed away if the beach is eroded, or excess amounts of sand can be deposited and compacted making it nearly impossible for the hatchlings to escape. This study illustrates the effects of high tides on the 2012 nesting season at St. George Island, Florida. “Sumo Robot Competition” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Joshua L. Cox (Napoleon, OH); Ethan W. Frey (Upper Sandusky, OH); Michael R. Hamlin (Dola, OH) Research Advisor: Paul Nutter (Technological Studies, ONU) Our project was to create an autonomous robot that is 2ft x 2ft x 2ft and under 50lbs. This robot will be able to push our opponent out of the ring without going over the out-of-bounds line, having sensors on top to detect the opponent, and bottom sensors that will override the top sensors to keep our robot in bounds. “The ABC's and 123's of C. difficile” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge

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Presenter: Jordan Elizabeth Roberts (Loveland, OH) Research Advisor: Robin White (Nursing, ONU; St. Rita's Medical Center Pediatric Floor, St. Rita's Medical Center) C. difficile is a bacterium that can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon. The main cause of this diagnosis is from long term use of antibiotics. This can be a very scary diagnosis for a parent to hear about their child. In caring for pediatric patients at St. Rita’s Medical Center, and educational need was identified in this area. Parents do not understand the meaning, treatment, and prognosis for C. diff. The purpose of this project was to research C. diff and devise a teaching pamphlet on the important facets of C. diff to give parents to overcome fears associated with this diagnosis while providing education on the overall aspects of C. diff. When recently caring for a patient who was newly diagnosed with C. diff after being on long term Clindamycin, which is a very strong antibiotic, the pediatric floor did not have any pamphlets or handouts to give to parents educating them on the aspects of C.diff. When the family received the news that their son had C. diff, they did not take the news well because they thought it was an actual disease. It was my job to explain to them that this is a diagnosis that is very manageable with certain medication and their child would not have it for his entire life. The parents and the child were then able to settle down and move forward. At the end of my capstone precepting hours, I gave the education pamphlet that I constructed to the floor manager of the pediatric floor, in which her and the other nurses can provide families of other patients who have this diagnosis. After the parents have read this pamphlet educating them the aspects of C.diff, they will be more informed of what to expect and how to care for their loved one in the best possible way. “The Appeal of Professional Wrestling as Explained by Durkheim and a Contemporary Theorist” Paper, Noon Conf. Rm. 7 Presenter: Dylan Michael Montgomery (Shelby, OH) Research Advisor: Robert Carrothers (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice, ONU) Professional wrestling has become a noticeable force in not only national media but also global media. As large and expansive as the fan-base is, the question remains as to what makes professional wrestling so appealing. In order to find an explanation, the works and writings of two sociological theorists were studied (one theorist from the "classical" era and one from the "contemporary" era). The works of Emile Durkheim were chosen to take the classical view on the subject. In particular, his theory on the elementary forms of religious life was used to explain how people are drawn to wrestling as individuals and as a group. Then, a theorist from the contemporary era of sociology was chosen to given a modern explanation as to why people are drawn to professional wrestling. “The Art of War: Hollywood's Portrayal of American Intelligence Operations” Paper, 10:00 a.m. Conf. Rm. 7 Presenter: Steve Saunier (Centerburg, OH) Research Advisor: Robert Alexander (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) When one thinks of the war film genre, usually the soldier's perspective is the first aspect to come to

mind. While oftentimes a filmmaker's focus comes down to the individual soldier, there are underlying, or even overt statements made regarding the executive, military, and intelligence community's motives and actions. It is here in which I seek to compare and contrast Hollywood's portrayal of these aspects in intelligence operations today. Specifically, I will be examining films such as Body of Lies (2008), Green Zone (2010), and Zero Dark Thirty (2012). In the course of my research I hope to answer two questions. First, does Hollywood accurately portray the executive branch, armed services, and intelligence community in these films? Second, what are filmmakers hoping to convey/achieve by their films? “The Combined Effects of Caffeine and Epinephrine on Sustained Skeletal Muscle Contraction” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Sarah M. Vore (Washington, PA); Lisa M. Burns (Fostoria, OH); Sara Kocian (Dayton, OH); Eric Karr (Valley City, OH); Lauren Rife (North Canton, OH) Research Advisors: V Motz, R Suniga, N Woodley (Biological and Allied Health Sciences, ONU) Caffeine increases calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, increasing the force of skeletal muscle contraction and signaling by epinephrine triggers an increase in intracellular ATP. This study examined the combined effects of caffeine and epinephrine on skeletal muscle contraction as compared to their individual effects. Isolated frog gastrocnemius muscles (n=6) were first submerged in standard Krebs-Ringers solution, then a caffeine solution (25 ug/mL), while the other complimentary gastrocnemius muscle was placed in an epinephrine solution (1 ug/mL), followed by a solution with both caffeine and epinephrine and stimulated via the sciatic nerve to produce tetanus. Initial testing indicated that caffeine increased the tetanic force and decreased the time to fatigue, epinephrine increased the time to fatigue, and no additional change in fatigue time was observed in the presence of both caffeine and epinephrine. However, due to the small sample size and large variability, no significant results were obtained. An increased time to fatigue in the presence of epinephrine was consistently observed. Although, this condition was tested using the second leg thus no conclusions could be drawn; therefore, further experimentation is needed to determine the relationship between caffeine and epinephrine and skeletal muscle contraction. “The Effect of Tamoxifen and Its Mechanism of Action on the in situ Heart Rate of Rana Pipiens” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Joshua R. Leichty (Fort Wayne, IN); Haley Kurmas (Ortonville, MI); Wesley A. Bova (Mentor, OH); Neal Huang (Houston, TX); Kyle W. Dexter (Hartville, OH) Research Advisors: V Motz, R Suniga, N Woodley (Biological and Allied Health Sciences, ONU) Tamoxifen is a standard drug used to treat breast cancer. Tamoxifen is thought to induce bradycardia by acting on alpha estrogen receptors (ERα) in the SA node. These receptors are associated with gene regulated cardioprotective actions. To examine if Tamoxifen directly affected the heart rate of Rana pipiens and the mechanism underlying this response, the contractile force and heart rate of double-pithed frogs (N=6) were measured via a force transducer data collection system. Tamoxifen solution (.01mg/cc) was

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dripped onto the frog’s heart and heart rate recorded for 2 minutes. Following washout with Krebs, a muscarinic blocking agent, atropine (.01mg/cc) was administered. The heart was washed with Krebs and the NO synthase blocker (N-nitro-L-arginine Methyl Ester; .01mg/cc) was administered dropwise. Following this, Tamoxifen was administered. A final challenge of acetylcholine (.01mg/cc) was given to obtain a control for slowed heart rate. Significant bradycardia was observed in response to Tamoxifen (P< 0.05). This response was unaffected by muscarinic blockade but was blocked by the N-nitro-L-arginine Methyl Ester, indicating that bradycardia is due to ERα receptors. Understanding the mechanism of action of Tamoxifen is valuable to medical consultation of patients using Tamoxifen because it allows for better understanding of Tamoxifen-induced side effects. “The Effects of Decreased Range of Motion on Deep Squat Pattern in College-aged Soccer Players” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Rachel Wright (Celina, OH); Amanda Brown (Centerville, OH) Research Advisor: Kurt Wilson (Human Performance and Sport Sciences, ONU) Objective: The objective of this study is to compare lower extremity range of motion and its effects on the deep squat pattern. We hypothesize that the participants with a greater range of motion will have a more function deep squat pattern than those with less range of motion. Design: Field test in a controlled environment. Participants: College-aged (18-23 years old) male and female NCAA Division III intercollegiate soccer players. Anyone with a previous history significant lower extremity injury was excluded from participation. Intervention: The participants will wear tennis shoes, athletic shorts, and a t-shirt. The participants will warm up at 50% intensity. We will bilaterally measure active range of motion for the lower extremity with a goniometer. Each participant will be filmed in the sagittal plane as they perform the deep squat pattern while holding a dowel rod above their head. Participants will be scored based on a functional assessment of a deep squat with scores ranging from 0-3. Main Outcome Measurement: The dependent variable is the deep squat pattern score. The independent variable is the range of motion measurements. Results and Conclusion: Pending upon completion of study. Dates of data collection included March 11-15 and March 18-22. “The Effects of Tattoos and Occupation on Perception of Personal Qualities” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Elizabeth Coulston (Niles, MI) Research Advisor: Kristie Payment (Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice, ONU) Additional Researchers: Haley Wershbale, Ashton Zartman Large amounts of research have been done on the negative effects tattoos play on first impressions and perceptions of personalities. However, not much has been done to investigate the personality traits that employers desire in potential employees and the effect tattoos have on the perception of these potential employees. This study looked at people's perceptions of tattooed individuals versus non-tattooed individuals with differing careers. Participants were shown a

picture of a man and his wife on a screen while being read a short story. Using a 2 x 2 between groups study, the occupation of the man (lawyer/mechanic) as well as the presence of a tattoo (presence/absence) were changed. After the story, participants were asked to recall as much information as possible from the story and picture. Next, the participants rated the male on nine personality traits considered desirable in a potential employee using a 7-point Likert scale ranging from “not at all” to “very.” The total score served as the dependent variable. The first hypothesis was supported and indicated that the presence of a tattoo negatively affects employability. However, there was not a significant difference of employability between the lawyer and the mechanic. The hypothesized interaction between the tattoo presence or absence and the occupation type was not significant. “The Effects of Various Levels of Exercise (Based on Heart Rate) on Student’s Performance on Exams” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Hillary Lantz (Bellefontaine, OH); Noah Christopher (Dunkirk, OH); Drew Ross (Auburn, OH); Michael Pawlitz (Clinton Township, MI); Darion Heilman (Kenton, OH) Research Advisors: V Motz, R Suniga, N Woodley (Biological and Allied Health Sciences, ONU) Studies have shown that brief periods of exercise (not exceeding 10 minutes) increase mental acuity through the increase of heart rate, causing an increased delivery of oxygen to the brain. This study sought to quantify the effect of heart rate on increased acuity and determine the optimum level of heart rate for increased acuity. Twenty healthy active males (19-21 year old) who were not on a formal exercise regimen were subjected to testing on four occasions separated by one day. On each occasion they completed a different level of exercise on an elliptical machine (10 minutes each of no exercise or exercise reaching 120, 140 or 160 beats per minute) immediately followed by a math test to measure cognition. Increased levels of exercise resulted in a significant/insignificant increase in the number of correct responses (α,0.05 by paired t-test). It is predicted that the mean scores of the number of correct responses will increase will each level of exercise. This supports/does not support our initial hypothesis and as a result it is proven/dis-proven that students could improve test scores. If performing high intensity exercise can increase performance on exams, then students may want to consider performing high intensity exercise before a test. “The Home Range of the Striped and Spotted Skunk Populations in Florida” Paper, 10:00 a.m. Wishing Well Presenter: Brittany A. Bianco (Lima, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) Skunk populations in Florida have been of interest to Florida Fish and Wildlife over recent years. They collected the data from 1997 to 2002. Two species of skunks were identified during the study including the common striped skunk and the spotted skunk. The striped skunk is a widespread species throughout North America and are omnivorous in nature although they are sometimes considered scavengers in more urban areas. Spotted skunks are actually a group of four closely related species that are also fairly

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widespread and share some characteristics with the striped skunk. However, there are some differences in habitats between the striped and spotted distinctions. This report examines the differences in the home range of the two species using Maxent Data with land use and climate layers. “The Legibility and Readability of Serif vs. Sans Serif Typefaces” Paper, Noon Wishing Well Presenter: Kaitlin Bondra (Mentor, OH) Research Advisor: Alisa Agozzino (Communication and Theatre Arts, ONU) Good typography can improve comprehension tremendously. Understanding typography and how to create the most legible and easiest read text is important. For years, authors, designers, researchers, and psychologists have argued about the performance differences between serif and sans serif typefaces. Typographers and printers often regard seriffed typefaces as more legible and appropriate for printed reading material. Sans serif typefaces are preferred for headlines and for text displayed on the computer. The absence of empirical data to prove these assumptions and the importance of legibility in academic reading material motivated this study.

Legibility rates how easy or difficult it is to recognize words and letters. Readability is an evaluation of how easy it is to understand the text. In order to measure the legibility and readability of text a survey was conducted to Ohio Northern University students who volunteered. Five typefaces were used in this study: TImes New Roman, Georgia, Helvetica, Arial and Script. The typefaces were set in different point sizes and with different line length to create eight different font conditions. The survey consisted of a seven point likert scale, with one side being strongly disagree and the other strongly agree. Participants were instructed to read the passages set in the eight font conditions then rate the legibility and readability of each one. Over 400 students participated in the survey.

The results will provide insight into the field of communication. Impacts of legibility and readability are growing with the fast-paced technological society. The results will be shown during the presentation. The hypothesis is that typefaces are not a significant factor in the legibility and readability of text. These results will be in contrast to the assumption that serif typefaces are more legible. They can be interpreted as promising for graphic designers and typographers, as it appears that legibility will not necessarily be sacrificed when certain reading material is set in a sans serif typeface. Other typographic factors including line length, x-height, and point size are predicted to effect the comprehension.

“The Similarities of Engineering Education and Technical Education” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Elizabeth M. Spingola (Butler, PA) Research Advisor: Ken Reid (Smull College of Engineering, ONU) Technical education has been around in high schools for a very long time; however, there can be gaps in that part of the high school curriculum. This poster talks about the need to fill that void in knowledge. It goes on further to introduce engineering education and how this new field of study will fill that void and do so

much more for high schools, education and the fields of math and science in general. “The Use of Informative Family Care Cards” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Ashley Fields (Bluffton, OH) Research Advisor: Susan Montenery (Nursing, ONU; 3B/Coronary Care Step-down, St. Rita's Medical Center) Communication is an important element in healthcare, especially when it concerns patients and their families. This capstone project involved developing family care cards that were placed in patient rooms at St Rita’s Medical Center. These cards explain common procedures that patients travel off of the floor for, along with what to expect, and any needed contact information. After one week of use of the Family Care Cards, I surveyed nurses on the floor, as well as patients and family members. The survey questioned how useful this information is, and how satisfied the sample population is with the presence of these cards. The overall goal for the project is to keep patients and their family members well informed throughout their hospital stay. “Tinkering in K-12 Education” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Zachery J. Brewer (Decatur, IN) Research Advisor: Ken Reid (Smull College of Engineering, ONU) There are some in the world of engineering that would argue that true engineering instruction cannot occur until a student has been introduced to vector calculus. However this discredits the value of “tinkering” in relation to engineering prior the student’s introduction of vector calculus. By the time a student would have been introduced to vector calculus, a student's mind would have been made up on what they think engineering is, and what an engineer does. The report Rising above the Gathering Storm specifically cites a lack of engineering material in the kindergarten through twelfth grade education of our students. Most likely a student would not have been introduced to vector calculus before the end of their K-12 education. This lack of engineering material needs to be addressed. The question becomes does tinkering in the form of a project or some other form of engineering that incorporates tinkering fulfill the need for engineering material in our current K-12 curriculum? That is exactly the purpose of my research: to define tinkering in terms of engineering and find a definitive answer whether or not it does fill the need for engineering material in our current school curriculum. “Traffic Pollution-related Illnesses and Geomedicine” Poster, 12:45 p.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Ray G. Foster (Fostoria, OH) Research Advisor: Harry Wilson (History, Politics, and Justice, ONU) Environmental health is an emergent fear among people worldwide with the turn of century. While new ecological laws and regulations have been working to protect air quality, pollution is still prevalent in the higher populated regions of the United States. Since the industrial revolution, our nation has seen an increase in respiratory illness amongst children and adults alike. With these respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma still on the rise in heavily populated regions, modern technology is working to come up with solutions and find the link

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between these diseases and their origins. Geo-medicine is an innovative branch of medicine which studies the influence of climate and environmental conditions on public health; more specifically, the geological factors in relation. This study utilizing a geographic information system (GIS) will work to observe the relationship between traffic-related pollution and the development of respiratory disease. Mapping the relationships between traffic related pollution and respiratory illness using spatial data and census reports will attempt to correlate these components. “Upper Arm Injury in Collegiate Male Football Player: A Case Report” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Caitlin M. Klima (Spencerville, OH); Amanda M. Simms (Goshen, OH) Research Advisor: Kurt Wilson (Human Performance and Sport Sciences, ONU) The patient is a 21-year-old male who is a receiver on his college football team. The athlete presented to the athletic training student with significant pain over his right AC joint after falling on an outstretched arm at practice. The AC joint was tender upon palpation, and the athlete had limited, pain-eliciting, active and passive range of motion with shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, internal, and external rotation. Due to the athlete's symptoms, history, and mechanism, the injury presented itself as an Acromioclavicular joint sprain. Two weeks post injury, the athlete was experiencing pain over the lateral acromion as well as the greater tuberosity. Pain was radiating further down into his arm, and swelling had developed. This prompted the ATC to refer the athlete to an orthopedic specialist. The final diagnosis of Fibrous Dysplasia Cystic Variant with a nondisplaced greater tuberosity fracture was made after consultation with a musculoskeletal oncologist. The incidence of the fracture in conjunction with the diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia cystic variant makes this case extremely rare. “Validation of the Heparin Therapeutic Range with a New Lot of APTT Reagent” Poster, 9:45 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Ahmed Alamer (Ada, OH) Research Advisor: Lisa Walden (Nursing, ONU; New Vision Medical Laboratories, St. Rita's Medical Center) Heparin is a widely used anticoagulant in the treatment and prevention of thrombosis. Its effect is achieved via interaction with antithrombin, a naturally occurring inhibitor of thrombin and other activated clotting factors. The effectiveness of unfractionated heparin therapy is monitored through APTT testing. However, due to variation in the sensitivities of APTT reagents, it is important for laboratories to demonstrate how their particular APTT reagent is responding to their pharmacy’s heparin. The purpose of this study is to determine the responsiveness of heparin to a new APTT reagent lot number. The first aim is to choose an APTT reagent that has the same, or nearly the same, heparin responsiveness as the one currently in use and to control and prevent drift with multiple reagent

changes over time. This is determined by performing APTT testing on blood specimens from heparinized and healthy patients using both the current and the new APTT reagents. The second aim of the study is to avoid the need for clinicians to change patient heparin dosage. Unfractionated heparin dosages are based on the range produced by performing an ex-vivo heparin responsiveness study. By determining the responsiveness of the heparin to the new APTT reagent lot number, clinicians do not have to change their patients’ heparin dosage. “Vex Robotics - Sack Attack” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenters: Kenneth E. Schlatter (Dunkirk, OH); Edward E. Day (South Charleston, OH) Research Advisor: David Rouch (Technological Studies, ONU) Our challenge was to design and build a robot that would manipulate bean bags to compete in the Sack Attack portion of the National Robotics Challenge. We were required to use only Vex Robotics approved parts. We used our skills in robot design and construction, as well as skills in programming to complete the task at hand. We expect to be competitive among the groups present at the National Robotics Challenge. “What Went Wrong with Vioxx: Lessons to Learn to Prevent Another Drug Disaster” Poster, 11:15 a.m. Main Lounge Presenter: Brandon P. Bourgeois (Niles, MI) Research Advisor: Karen L. Kier (Pharmacy Practice, ONU) Introduction: Medications are discontinued from production and sale for various reasons. Several discontinued drugs were briefly studied before Vioxx was chosen to study further. In 2004, Merck voluntarily withdrew its widely used COX-2 inhibitor Vioxx® (rofecoxib) from the U.S. market amid concerns of adverse cardiovascular events that had led to patient death. Methods: Various journal articles are analyzed detailing the steps of the drug development and approval process, clinical trials before and after approval, the role of the FDA, ethical concerns on Merck’s marketing process, and federal laws, including PDUFA and Hatch-Waxman Act. Analysis: The COX-2 market is very lucrative, but many drugs of this class pose serious side effects. VIGOR and APPROVe were two studies done to analyze the extent of cardiovascular effects. Merck representatives distorted the results from these studies when presenting to physicians to sell more product. The FDA considered adding a black box warning, but the vote failed. That committee may have had conflict of interest with Merck affiliation. Results: Marketing representatives should have more incentives not to distort studies, which should be more readily available. The drug approval process should be more transparent, and FDA members should not be affiliated with potential conflicts of interests.

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Index of Colloquium Participants

A

Agozzino, Alisa 6, 8, 10, 20, 21, 24 Alamer, Ahmed 3, 25 Albritton, Nathan 5, 20 Alexander, Robert 19, 22 Allen, Laura 17 Amstutz, Amanda Kathryn 3, 16 Anderson-Wile, Amelia 9, 10, 18 Ankrom, Ben 5, 15 Armstrong, Haley 4, 12 Aufdenkampe, Rachael L. 3, 20

B

Baumer, Ashley R. 3, 13 Beck, Kassidy 6, 8 Berry, Joanne M. 4, 8 Bianco, Brittany A. 5, 6, 21, 23 Bondra, Kaitlin 6, 24 Bourgeois, Brandon P. 4, 25 Bova, Wesley A. 3, 22 Bowers, Christopher P. 11, 16 Bowman, Kimberly M. 4, 11 Bowser, Andrew 4, 19 Brewer, Zachery J. 5, 24 Brooks, Rebecca 17 Brown, Amanda 3, 23 Bruns, Brandon D. 5, 9 Buczkowski, Natalia 3, 12 Bukowy, Brooks M. 4, 15 Burns, Lisa M. 3, 22

C

Call, James 6, 17 Camp, Loren Chase 5, 20 Caragiu, Mellita 21 Carlson, Lena 3, 13 Carrothers, Robert 6, 11, 18, 22 Christopher, Noah 3, 23 Clegg-Kraynok, Megan M. 16 Cosgrove, Nicholas S. 4, 19 Coulston, Elizabeth 3, 23 Cox, Joshua L. 5, 21 Crozier, Andrew Thomas 5, 6, 8, 12 Curiel, John Alexander 6, 17

D

Day, Edward E. 5, 25 DelBello, Lindsey Paige 6, 19 DeLong, Ronald 8 Dexter, Kyle W. 3, 22 Dickson, Nicole 11, 20

Downing, Adam 6, 19 Drzycimski-Finn, Mary 1 Dunn, Zachary L. 4, 13, 21 Durkin, Keith 17

E

Ehresman, Alexxys L. 6, 20 Elion, Monika 9 Erickson, Lucas 5, 14 Ernst, Ashley 5, 13, 21 Evans, Holly J. 6, 17

F

Fehrman, Lauren 8 Fields, Ashley 3, 24 Findley, Kali L. 3, 20 Fisher, Steve 20 Foster, Ray G. 5, 24 Freeman, Garret 5, 18 Frey, Ethan W. 5, 21

G

Garber, Paige M. 4, 8, 15 Gargano, Kalie 3, 11, 13 Geis, Tom 9 Gibson, Mitchell W. 5, 12 Goforth, Amber 5, 19 Graham, Rachael 3, 14 Gray, Andrew 6, 17 Grebetz, Angela 3, 16 Grieser, Nathan 5, 21

H

Hamlin, Michael R. 5, 21 Hammer, Morgan A. 4, 13, 21 Harting, Cody R. 5, 9 Hartman, Alexa 3, 19 Hassoun, Mohamad 4, 12 Heilman, Darion 3, 23 Herman, Michael 4, 16 Hoffman, Mackenzie M. 3, 20 Horth, Michael 5, 20 Huang, Neal 3, 22 Humphrey, Morgan Storm 6, 18 Hurst, Jerod J. 1, 4, 11

J

Johnson, Kathlyn Nicole 6, 10

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Jones, Adriana M. 3, 11, 13 Jones, Jeremy 3, 14 Jones, Katelyn A. 7, 21

K

Kalchik, Andrea E. 3, 20 Kanwit, John Paul 15 Karr, Eric 3, 22 Kauffman, David 5, 14 Keas, Brian 21 Keiser, Terry 9, 11 Khorbotly, Sami 20 Kier, Karen L. 25 Kinder, David H. 11 Kleysteuber, Peter 5, 20 Klima, Caitlin M. 3, 25 Klingenberg, Brian C. 5, 18 Kocian, Sara 3, 22 Kramp, Brent 4, 13 Kremke, Hilary L. 4, 10 Kurmas, Haley 3, 22

L

Lamiell, Paul J. 4, 9 Lantz, Hillary 3, 23 Ledden, Kevin C. 4, 10 Lee, James William 5, 15 Leichty, Joshua R. 3, 22 Lewis, Stewart P. 9 Lomax, John 6, 8, 19 Lovensheimer, Britney J. 4, 10 Lynch, Kelli 3, 17

M

Maag, Kirsten 3, 12 Mabe, Nathaniel W. 6, 8, 15 Mathers, Robert T. 9 McKee, Dominique 3, 12 Montenery, Susan 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 24 Montgomery, Dylan Michael 6, 22 Montgomery, James R. 5, 14 Moore, Stephanie N. 4, 18 Motz, Vicki A. 11, 12, 13, 22, 23 Mueller, Abrim 5, 20 Myers, Brian 17 Myers, Deirdre 12 Newman, Katy 5,20

N

Nungester, Brad 5, 14 Nutter, Paul 21

O

O'Hara, Hayley 3, 16 Olson, Courtney M. 4, 20

P

Palivoda, Alicia Marie 3, 18 Paris, Brian 1 Pavel, Shawn 5, 20 Pavlock, Stephen 3, 16 Pawlitz, Michael 3, 23 Payment, Kristie 23 Peeples, Daniel Cory 4, 16 Perrine, Trilisa 13, 21 Peters, David M. 3, 20 Pinkney, Jason 9 Pleshinger, Donald J. 5, 9 Prigge, Amy 1

R

Raber, Kyle 5, 20 Rarey, Matthew Stephen 6, 20 Reid, Ken 24 Riedel, Gayle L. 6, 15 Rife, Lauren 3, 22 Roberts, Jordan Elizabeth 3, 22 Rogers, Scott 1 Rojeab, Yousif 12 Rorabaugh, Boyd 8, 15 Ross, Drew 3, 23 Rotert, Leannyn 3, 12 Rouch, David 20, 25

S

Saunier, Steve 6, 22 Schlatter, Kenneth E. 5, 25 Scott, JoAnn 19 Seely, Sarah 8 Sellers, Robert 5, 20 Shaheen, Rebecca 7, 8 Sheridan, Terrence 17 Simms, Amanda M. 3, 25 Spence, Aaron M. 6, 11 Spiese, Christopher 8, 19 Spingola, Elizabeth M. 5, 24 Steele, Bethany L. 4, 9 Steinberger, Thomas E. 5, 17 Sullivan, Aaron J. 4, 17 Suniga, Rema 12, 13, 22, 23

T

Tabar, Jennifer 3, 8 Talbot, Jeffery N. 20 Tatarkov, Elvira 4, 19 Tennet, Lauren 1

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Theisen, William 1 Thomas, Tyler Nelson 5, 11 Topham, Benjamin 13, 21 Topp, Ike 5, 9 Turner, Hunter M. 5, 20 Turner, Jordan Scott 5, 15

V

Vore, Sarah M. 3, 22

W

Walden, Lisa 9, 13, 16, 25 Wershbale, Haley 23 White, Robin 10, 16, 22 Wiener, Lindsay C. 4, 16 Wile, Bradley 12, 16, 19 Williams, Toma 1 Wilson, Harry 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24

Wilson, Kurt 14, 23, 25 Woelke, Sarah A. 20 Wolters, Nicholas E. 3, 20 Woodley, Nancy 12, 13, 22, 23 Wrentmore, Kyle J. 5, 14 Wright, Rachel 3, 23

Y

Yoder, John-David 20 Young, Linda M. 11

Z

Zank, Taylor 5, 20 Zartman, Ashton 23 Zielinski, Lauryn 3, 13 Zoladz, Phillip 1, 20