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| Category | Community Impact | Presenter First Name | Presenter Last Name | Academic Department | Project Title | Abstract | FM Title | FM First Name | FM Last Name | Authors | Video | Program |
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| Art & Humanities | Social | Christen | Bass | Peace and Conflict Studies | Invisible Faces: Understanding the Link Between Diversity, Violence, and Marginalized Groups | In the United States and internationally, Peace and Conflict Studies is an expanding field, ranging from conflict resolution within familial relations to peacebuilding in global affairs; however when developing any discipline in a system with an even more expansive awareness of the marginalized groups it contains, the question remains: Can Peace and Conflict Studies address violence and conflict around social justice? This presentation answers this question by 1) uncovering the deep roots of US social conflict, and 2) providing a diversified and inclusive approach to dealing with social conflict within Peace and Conflict Studies as a field and society as a whole for greater intercultural engagement and peacebuilding that persists. In June we began the design process for Jose Rivera’s play Marisol; our season opener. We met virtually via Zoom unsure of what the fall semester would look like once we returned to campus. Covid-19 continues to shape theatre and a plethora of other industries. We have continued to practice our craft at a time when theatre is not happening in the ways that it always has. For many of us, we have been reminded why we do what we do. This digital story explores collaboration and the production process through a lens of gratitude, possibility and creating amidst the pandemic. | Dr. | Marcia | Hale | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADoC5OaEONI&feature=youtu.be | Art & Humanities Community Impact: Social Christen Bass- Peace and Conflict Studies Invisible Faces: Understanding the Link Between Diversity, Violence, and Marginalized Groups In the United States and internationally, Peace and Conflict Studies is an expanding field, ranging from conflict resolution within familial relations to peacebuilding in global affairs; however when developing any discipline in a system with an even more expansive awareness of the marginalized groups it contains, the question remains: Can Peace and Conflict Studies address violence and conflict around social justice? This presentation answers this question by 1) uncovering the deep roots of US social conflict, and 2) providing a diversified and inclusive approach to dealing with social conflict within Peace and Conflict Studies as a field and society as a whole for greater intercultural engagement and peacebuilding that persists. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Marcia Hale |
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| Art & Humanities | Scholarly | Lauren | Dillon | History | American History Textbook & Curriculum Debates in North Carolina Public Schools, 1950-1979 | With escalating controversies about teaching Critical Race Theory and banning books in America's public schools, I examine the history of conservative and progressive influences on the North Carolina Department of Education and American history textbooks taught in North Carolina classrooms from 1950 to 1979. My research analyzes the operations of the North Carolina Textbook Commission, which evaluated and adopted textbooks for all grades and subjects, paying particular attention to social studies texts. I then examine specific American history textbooks adopted for use in the classroom in each decade. My research traces the changes that the state's education department made after pressure from both the conservative and progressive public, as well as revisions to the history textbook curriculum which reflect the postwar years of change in American political and social life. This research illustrates how North Carolina public education responded to past controversies regarding teaching American history and its present connections. | Dr. | Mandy L. | Cooper | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY7HH7GyPPM | Art & Humanities Community Impact: Scholarly Lauren Dillon- History American History Textbook & Curriculum Debates in North Carolina Public Schools, 1950-1979 With escalating controversies about teaching Critical Race Theory and banning books in America's public schools, I examine the history of conservative and progressive influences on the North Carolina Department of Education and American history textbooks taught in North Carolina classrooms from 1950 to 1979. My research analyzes the operations of the North Carolina Textbook Commission, which evaluated and adopted textbooks for all grades and subjects, paying particular attention to social studies texts. I then examine specific American history textbooks adopted for use in the classroom in each decade. My research traces the changes that the state's education department made after pressure from both the conservative and progressive public, as well as revisions to the history textbook curriculum which reflect the postwar years of change in American political and social life. This research illustrates how North Carolina public education responded to past controversies regarding teaching American history and its present connections. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mandy L. Cooper |
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| Art & Humanities | Innovation | Chris | Gilly-Forrer | Theatre | Co-Direction for "The Julies" (or, breaking the myth of director-as-captain) | The project was posed as an experiment: not one but two directors for the world-premiere performance of "The Julies" by Calley N. Anderson in order to ensure that the students of color in the School of Theatre could be best served in their artistic and pedagogical needs. Iyanna and Chris describe their navigation of this process, the institutional support systems and roadblocks, and the impact on the acting company and their final presentation before ultimately challenging the long-standing notion of "director-as-captain" and offering possible solutions to more equitable models for theatrical direction. | Dr. | John | Gulley | Iyanna Huffington | https://youtu.be/4yBm4egWz4Y | Art & Humanities Community Impact: Innovation Chris Gilly-Forrer - Theatre, Iyanna Huffington Co-Direction for "The Julies" (or, breaking the myth of director-as-captain) The project was posed as an experiment: not one but two directors for the world-premiere performance of "The Julies" by Calley N. Anderson in order to ensure that the students of color in the School of Theatre could be best served in their artistic and pedagogical needs. Iyanna and Chris describe their navigation of this process, the institutional support systems and roadblocks, and the impact on the acting company and their final presentation before ultimately challenging the long-standing notion of "director-as-captain" and offering possible solutions to more equitable models for theatrical direction. Faculty Mentor: Dr. John Gulley |
| Art & Humanities | Community Engagement | Hayley | Greenstreet | Theatre | Wake Up, Brother Bear! - UNCG's First Production for Very Young Audiences | Wake Up, Brother Bear!, by Kathryn Bryer and Janet Stanford, is a Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) play intended for audiences ages 2-6 years old. This North Carolina Theatre for Young People (NCTYP) production is the first of its kind at UNCG, kicking off what we hope will become part and parcel of NCTYP’s annual offerings. TVY is an often overlooked subdiscipline of Theatre for Young Audiences addressing the distinct needs of very young audience members including tactile, kinesthetic, visual, and aural stimuli. Serving this audience is of the utmost importance; it is oftentimes the very first play these children have ever experienced. With this responsibility in mind, it is our job as the creative team to manifest an experience that is engaging, safe, and inclusive. This production performs on campus and tours to various community settings, upholding the value of meeting audiences in their home environments. | Ms. | Rachel | Briley | https://youtu.be/xPhNVufY09k | Art & Humanities Community Impact: Community Engagement Hayley Greenstreet - Theatre Wake Up, Brother Bear! - UNCG's First Production for Very Young Audiences Wake Up, Brother Bear!, by Kathryn Bryer and Janet Stanford, is a Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) play intended for audiences ages 2-6 years old. This North Carolina Theatre for Young People (NCTYP) production is the first of its kind at UNCG, kicking off what we hope will become part and parcel of NCTYP’s annual offerings. TVY is an often overlooked subdiscipline of Theatre for Young Audiences addressing the distinct needs of very young audience members including tactile, kinesthetic, visual, and aural stimuli. Serving this audience is of the utmost importance; it is oftentimes the very first play these children have ever experienced. With this responsibility in mind, it is our job as the creative team to manifest an experience that is engaging, safe, and inclusive. This production performs on campus and tours to various community settings, upholding the value of meeting audiences in their home environments. Faculty Mentor: Ms. Rachel Briley |
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| Art & Humanities | Scholarly | Robert | Hairston | Music | Contextualizing George Rochberg’s Black Sounds and the Connection to Edgard Varèse | In 1965, George Rochberg composed Black Sounds during a period of personal turmoil and professional transition. The presentation will explore this lesser-known composition for chamber winds through its position in Rochberg’s life and career as well as its theoretical connection to Edgard Varèse. Black Sounds allows musicians to experience Varèse’s unique aesthetic and deserves to be explored in more detail. | Dr. | Kevin M. | Geraldi | https://youtu.be/lp53yAPAWHw | Art & Humanities Community Impact: Scholarly Robert Hairston - Music Contextualizing George Rochberg’s Black Sounds and the Connection to Edgard Varèse In 1965, George Rochberg composed Black Sounds during a period of personal turmoil and professional transition. The presentation will explore this lesser-known composition for chamber winds through its position in Rochberg’s life and career as well as its theoretical connection to Edgard Varèse. Black Sounds allows musicians to experience Varèse’s unique aesthetic and deserves to be explored in more detail. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kevin M. Geraldi |
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| Art & Humanities | Educational | Tessa | Larson | Music | The female perspective as seen through Pauline Viardot’s Cendrillon | Our creative project is a student-run production of Pauline Viardot’s Cendrillon. This production includes seven singers co-directing the performance along with our pianist and conductor. Our goal in designing this project is to highlight women in two major ways. First, this is an opera where the words and music are written by a female composer. Secondly, this project allows the rare opportunity for women to serve in leadership roles in all aspects of the production of an opera. Most of the cast and the entirety of the leadership team are made up of women. This statement may seem benign, but there is a distinct lack of opportunity for women in the field of opera in a variety of roles. As emerging professionals in this field, we want to see a change happen and we hope to spark some of that change here at UNCG through this project. | Dr. | Robert | Wells | Maggie Ramirez, Rebecca Germany | https://youtu.be/N7Idv1yq5Zk | Art & Humanities Community Impact: Educational Tessa Larson, Maggie Ramirez, and Rebecca Germany - Music, Brittany Kaehler and LeeArron Kolsterman The female perspective as seen through Pauline Viardot’s Cendrillon Our creative project is a student-run production of Pauline Viardot’s Cendrillon. This production includes seven singers co-directing the performance along with our pianist and conductor. Our goal in designing this project is to highlight women in two major ways. First, this is an opera where the words and music are written by a female composer. Secondly, this project allows the rare opportunity for women to serve in leadership roles in all aspects of the production of an opera. Most of the cast and the entirety of the leadership team are made up of women. This statement may seem benign, but there is a distinct lack of opportunity for women in the field of opera in a variety of roles. As emerging professionals in this field, we want to see a change happen and we hope to spark some of that change here at UNCG through this project. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Wells |
| Art & Humanities | Scholarly | Ashley | Low | History | From Nuremberg to North Carolina: The Enduring History of Eugenics, 1945-1955 | "Tomorrow's population should be produced by today's best human material" proclaimed Clarence Gamble of the Human Betterment League of North Carolina merely a few months after the conclusion of the Doctor's Trials, where a United States Military Tribunal condemned 23 Nazi medical doctors for their medical atrocities. How did this spotlight on Nazi medical crimes at Nuremberg affect the eugenics movement in the United States and West Germany? Through an examination of medical journals, newspapers, and a case study of North Carolinian eugenics from 1945-1955, I reveal how the eugenics movement shifted in the post-World War II period to accommodate public concerns. By renewing their focus on individual rights granted by a liberal democracy, the scientific community attempted to reassure the American and West German public of their individual safety and rights. | Dr. | Teresa | Walch | https://youtu.be/0ip_1z91_tA | Art & Humanities Community Impact: Scholarly Ashley Low - History From Nuremberg to North Carolina: The Enduring History of Eugenics, 1945-1955 "Tomorrow's population should be produced by today's best human material" proclaimed Clarence Gamble of the Human Betterment League of North Carolina merely a few months after the conclusion of the Doctor's Trials, where a United States Military Tribunal condemned 23 Nazi medical doctors for their medical atrocities. How did this spotlight on Nazi medical crimes at Nuremberg affect the eugenics movement in the United States and West Germany? Through an examination of medical journals, newspapers, and a case study of North Carolinian eugenics from 1945-1955, I reveal how the eugenics movement shifted in the post-World War II period to accommodate public concerns. By renewing their focus on individual rights granted by a liberal democracy, the scientific community attempted to reassure the American and West German public of their individual safety and rights. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Teresa Walch |
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| Art & Humanities | Scholarly | Ian | McLaughlin | English | Muggle Magic: Harry Potter and the Mirror of Social Media | Social media has become inescapable. It affects all aspects of our lives, including our psychology and social interactions. My research of the mirrors in the Harry Potter books shows that the Mirror of Erised parallels how social media recommends content, giving us insight into how we use social media and how it uses us. By comparing recommended content to Erised, we gain an understanding of echo chambers, what they do, and how to avoid constructing and amplifying our own. | Dr. | Heather | Adams | https://youtu.be/D-qzfm381hQ | Art & Humanities Community Impact: Scholarly Ian McLaughlin - English Muggle Magic: Harry Potter and the Mirror of Social Media Social media has become inescapable. It affects all aspects of our lives, including our psychology and social interactions. My research of the mirrors in the Harry Potter books shows that the Mirror of Erised parallels how social media recommends content, giving us insight into how we use social media and how it uses us. By comparing recommended content to Erised, we gain an understanding of echo chambers, what they do, and how to avoid constructing and amplifying our own. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Heather Adams |
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| Art & Humanities | Aesthetics | John | Perine | Theatre for Youth | Page to Stage: Bringing Comics to Life in Flora & Ulysses | Flora & Ulysses by John Glore, adapted from the novel by Kate DiCamillo is a piece of theatre for young audiences that seeks to explore themes of identity formation, familial trauma, and the many shades of gray that exist between good and evil through the utilization of comic book tropes. Through the collaboration of a director with scene, costume, lighting, projection, and puppet designers and performers of a variety of experience levels, the North Carolina Theatre for Young People’s production of Flora & Ulysses effectively crafted an aesthetically unified world in order to bring Kate DiCamillo’s novel to the stage. My presentation will grant access to my collaborative and leadership process as a director when crafting productions for young audiences and their families from the first design meeting to the closing performance. | Dr. | Rachel | Briley | https://youtu.be/q9fa0uQqHxY | Art & Humanities Community Impact: Aesthetics John Perine - Theatre for Youth Page to Stage: Bringing Comics to Life in Flora & Ulysses Flora & Ulysses by John Glore, adapted from the novel by Kate DiCamillo is a piece of theatre for young audiences that seeks to explore themes of identity formation, familial trauma, and the many shades of gray that exist between good and evil through the utilization of comic book tropes. Through the collaboration of a director with scene, costume, lighting, projection, and puppet designers and performers of a variety of experience levels, the North Carolina Theatre for Young People’s production of Flora & Ulysses effectively crafted an aesthetically unified world in order to bring Kate DiCamillo’s novel to the stage. My presentation will grant access to my collaborative and leadership process as a director when crafting productions for young audiences and their families from the first design meeting to the closing performance. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rachel Briley |
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| Art & Humanities | Societal | Steisha | Pintado | Art | You Will Be With Me in Paradise | My creative research explores my personal experience of being born and raised in a fundamentalist religious cult, and the aftermath of leaving the cult. My practice is interdisciplinary, using drawing, painting, and animation together to unfold a narrative of indoctrination and liberation. My work helps me confront the fact that I am an apostate, it helps me take back my power and my voice, and I want to use my voice to speak out against a system of oppression hiding in plain sight. I make this work for myself, for others who also share these experiences, and to create a public awareness around these issues. I use this work to celebrate how I have forcefully taken the things that I had been denied since birth: an education, a career, a voice, a free life where two plus two always equals four. | Ms. | Barbara Campbell | Thomas | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLiKhrS4kes | Art & Humanities Community Impact: Societal Steisha Pintado - Art You Will Be With Me in Paradise My creative research explores my personal experience of being born and raised in a fundamentalist religious cult, and the aftermath of leaving the cult. My practice is interdisciplinary, using drawing, painting, and animation together to unfold a narrative of indoctrination and liberation. My work helps me confront the fact that I am an apostate, it helps me take back my power and my voice, and I want to use my voice to speak out against a system of oppression hiding in plain sight. I make this work for myself, for others who also share these experiences, and to create a public awareness around these issues. I use this work to celebrate how I have forcefully taken the things that I had been denied since birth: an education, a career, a voice, a free life where two plus two always equals four. Faculty Mentor: Ms. Barbara Campbell Thomas |
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| Art & Humanities | Cultural | Karen | Sabo | Theatre | As You Like It: Building Community and Bridging History | How do we make a 420-year-old play relevant for a modern American audience? Make it radically inclusive. For my thesis project, I’m directing an adaptation of Shakespeare’s As You Like It that was created for audiences in New York City in 2017, and was produced by the Public Works wing of The Public Theatre. The Public Works model is spreading over the globe, and while it’s brand new, it also hearkens back to the roots of Western theatre regarding its role in strengthening a democratic society. I’m examining how Public Works productions combine a small number of professionals with up to 200 community members, thereby creating theatre that embraces diversity and requires inclusion as a factor in updating classic stories for our contemporary world. | Dr. | John | Gulley | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grJb6julVn0 | Art & Humanities Community Impact: Cultural Karen Sabo - Theatre As You Like It: Building Community and Bridging History How do we make a 420-year-old play relevant for a modern American audience? Make it radically inclusive. For my thesis project, I’m directing an adaptation of Shakespeare’s As You Like It that was created for audiences in New York City in 2017, and was produced by the Public Works wing of The Public Theatre. The Public Works model is spreading over the globe, and while it’s brand new, it also hearkens back to the roots of Western theatre regarding its role in strengthening a democratic society. I’m examining how Public Works productions combine a small number of professionals with up to 200 community members, thereby creating theatre that embraces diversity and requires inclusion as a factor in updating classic stories for our contemporary world. Faculty Mentor: Dr. John Gulley |
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| Art & Humanities | Educational | Kelly | Sandoval | Theatre | Scenic Design - Wake Up Brother Bear! | Wake Up Brother Bear! is a piece of theatre for the very young that explores the changing of the seasons. The show is designed to be interactive, tactile and highly participatory for children ages 2-6 helping them to engage directly in the storytelling. To do this, the scenic design required specific artistic choices different from those commonly found in the theatre space. Several challenges including the safety of young people and ability to tour to non-traditional theatre spaces make this a design that uses educational elements to elevate the imagination of young people. | Dr. | Randall | McMullen | https://youtu.be/n8dNS7HO9Bs | Art & Humanities Community Impact: Educational Kelly Sandoval - Theatre Scenic Design - Wake Up Brother Bear! Wake Up Brother Bear! is a piece of theatre for the very young that explores the changing of the seasons. The show is designed to be interactive, tactile and highly participatory for children ages 2-6 helping them to engage directly in the storytelling. To do this, the scenic design required specific artistic choices different from those commonly found in the theatre space. Several challenges including the safety of young people and ability to tour to non-traditional theatre spaces make this a design that uses educational elements to elevate the imagination of young people. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Randall McMullen |
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| Health Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Kelsey | Bittel | Kinesiology | Associations between behavioral regulations and sedentary behavior among older adults | Levels of sedentary behavior (SB) have continued to rise among adult populations, with older adults being the most sedentary group across the lifespan. High levels of SB can lead to many chronic non-communicable diseases. Though there have been attempts to reduce SB through interventions, there is little understanding behind the motivational processes that contribute to this behavior. SB is an independent health behavior from physical activity and the motivational processes that contribute to physical activity may not explain SB engagement. Self-Determination Theory evaluates the quality and underlying reasons for an individual’s involvement in a particular health behavior. The theory posits motivation as a behavioral regulation continuum. Yet, little work has explored the extent to which the behavioral regulations specified in Self-Determination Theory contribute to SB. The purpose of this study is to determine the associations between each behavioral regulation identified within Self-Determination Theory and total sedentary time in older adults. | Dr. | Jaclyn P. | Maher | https://youtu.be/tRorXyqq9fU | Health Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Kelsey Bittel - Kinesiology, IRB-FY20-0216 Associations between behavioral regulations and sedentary behavior among older adults Levels of sedentary behavior (SB) have continued to rise among adult populations, with older adults being the most sedentary group across the lifespan. High levels of SB can lead to many chronic non-communicable diseases. Though there have been attempts to reduce SB through interventions, there is little understanding behind the motivational processes that contribute to this behavior. SB is an independent health behavior from physical activity and the motivational processes that contribute to physical activity may not explain SB engagement. Self-Determination Theory evaluates the quality and underlying reasons for an individual’s involvement in a particular health behavior. The theory posits motivation as a behavioral regulation continuum. Yet, little work has explored the extent to which the behavioral regulations specified in Self-Determination Theory contribute to SB. The purpose of this study is to determine the associations between each behavioral regulation identified within Self-Determination Theory and total sedentary time in older adults. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jaclyn P. Maher |
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| Health Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Jason | Brantley | Kinesiology | Effects of Exercise Modality on Tumor Growth and Skeletal Function in Tumor Bearing Mice | Cancer cachexia is a complex metabolic and wasting disease that affects up to 80% of cancer patients and results in death in up to one-third of patients. To examine the effects of exercise modalities on muscle function and tumor growth during cancer cachexia, mice underwent 4 weeks of low intensity treadmill training (LITR), high intensity treadmill training (HITR), leisure-based wheel running (LBWR), or remained sedentary (SED). Treadmill trained mice saw a significant preservation in body mass and a significant increase in grip strength compared to wheel ran and sedentary tumor bearing mice. While not significant, the treadmill trained mice saw better inhibition in tumor growth and a better response in change in grip strength. These data indicate that while the LBWR group was significantly more active, that intensity and structure of exercise may play an important factor in preserving muscle function and reducing tumor growth. | Dr. | Traci | Parry | Traci Parry, Louisa Tichy, and George Blackburn | https://youtu.be/EPQuXoc-Ueo | Health Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Jason Brantley - Kinesiology, Traci Parry, Louisa Tichy, and George Blackburn Effects of Exercise Modality on Tumor Growth and Skeletal Function in Tumor Bearing Mice Cancer cachexia is a complex metabolic and wasting disease that affects up to 80% of cancer patients and results in death in up to one-third of patients. To examine the effects of exercise modalities on muscle function and tumor growth during cancer cachexia, mice underwent 4 weeks of low intensity treadmill training (LITR), high intensity treadmill training (HITR), leisure-based wheel running (LBWR), or remained sedentary (SED). Treadmill trained mice saw a significant preservation in body mass and a significant increase in grip strength compared to wheel ran and sedentary tumor bearing mice. While not significant, the treadmill trained mice saw better inhibition in tumor growth and a better response in change in grip strength. These data indicate that while the LBWR group was significantly more active, that intensity and structure of exercise may play an important factor in preserving muscle function and reducing tumor growth. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Traci Parry |
| Health Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Isabelle "Belle" | Downing | Community and Therapeutic Recreation | Trauma Informed Care in Recreation Therapy Practice | Trauma Informed Care (TIC) is a practice widely used among a number of health care professions to acknowledge the prevalence and effects of trauma while simultaneously preventing retraumatization in clients who have experienced trauma. While TIC has been researched in a number of disciplines including nursing, social work, and art therapy, there is limited research on the use of TIC in recreation therapy practice. The purpose of this study is to identify the knowledge of TIC among Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS), the extent to which TIC is incorporated in recreation therapy education, and the factors that influence the use of TIC in recreation therapy practice. There have been a few recent publications and presentations by CTRSs on TIC but no study to date has been conducted to determine the extent TIC is used in RT practice. | Dr. | Judy | Kinney | Dr. Judy Kinney | https://youtu.be/7Cc564CEu5E | Health Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Isabelle "Belle" Downing - Community and Therapeutic Recreation, Dr. Judy Kinney, IRB-FY22-159 Trauma Informed Care in Recreation Therapy Practice Trauma Informed Care (TIC) is a practice widely used among a number of health care professions to acknowledge the prevalence and effects of trauma while simultaneously preventing retraumatization in clients who have experienced trauma. While TIC has been researched in a number of disciplines including nursing, social work, and art therapy, there is limited research on the use of TIC in recreation therapy practice. The purpose of this study is to identify the knowledge of TIC among Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS), the extent to which TIC is incorporated in recreation therapy education, and the factors that influence the use of TIC in recreation therapy practice. There have been a few recent publications and presentations by CTRSs on TIC but no study to date has been conducted to determine the extent TIC is used in RT practice. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Judy Kinney |
| Health Sciences | Educational | Heather | Emmons | Nutrition | Effects of High Saturated Fat on Dopamine Neurotransmission | Obesity is linked to many adverse health outcomes and is one component of metabolic syndrome (MeS). Another factor of MeS also observed with diet induced obesity includes increased inflammation. These increased concentrations of inflammatory cytokines from higher levels of adiposity are associated with disruptions in neurotransmission. Dopamine dysregulation has been associated with excess body weight gain and I plan to utilize different approaches in attenuating this dysfunctional neurosignaling. The first of these investigates the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in preventing changes induced by high saturated fat intake in dopamine release and reuptake specifically in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Second will explore a dietary intervention exchanging saturated fat isocalorically with anti-inflammatory unsaturated fatty acids. Finally, aerobic exercise will be utilized in elucidating any effects for prevention of these observed neurotransmission dysfunctions while concurrently consuming a diet high in saturated fat. | Dr. | Steven C. | Fordahl | Conner Wallace | https://youtu.be/u0AxzrIMXYI | Health Sciences Community Impact: Educational Heather Emmons - Nutrition Effects of High Saturated Fat on Dopamine Neurotransmission Obesity is linked to many adverse health outcomes and is one component of metabolic syndrome (MeS). Another factor of MeS also observed with diet induced obesity includes increased inflammation. These increased concentrations of inflammatory cytokines from higher levels of adiposity are associated with disruptions in neurotransmission. Dopamine dysregulation has been associated with excess body weight gain and I plan to utilize different approaches in attenuating this dysfunctional neurosignaling. The first of these investigates the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in preventing changes induced by high saturated fat intake in dopamine release and reuptake specifically in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Second will explore a dietary intervention exchanging saturated fat isocalorically with anti-inflammatory unsaturated fatty acids. Finally, aerobic exercise will be utilized in elucidating any effects for prevention of these observed neurotransmission dysfunctions while concurrently consuming a diet high in saturated fat. Faculty Mentor:Dr. Steven C. Fordahl |
| Health Sciences | Scholarly | Olivia | Frangos | Kinesiology | Who is the research for? Reviewing sample populations and the applicability of research designs in breast biomechanics: a systematic review | The breast biomechanics field has emphasized the importance of proper breast support during activity. Improper support has been linked to mastalgia (pain), ptosis (sagging from tissue deformation), and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Furthermore, restricted range of motion, poor posture (kyphosis), tension headaches, frictional skin irritations, and negative body image can manifest from improper breast support. Despite the prevalence of these detrimental issues, there is a deficit in breast health education and intervention for active females. Still in its infancy (the sports bra was created in only 1977!), the generation and discussion of breast biomechanics research is crucial to the women’s health field. My research will evaluate the variation and extent of the female athletes being studied by evaluating participant population (demographics, inclusion, and exclusion criterion) and the activities explored in these studies. This scholarship serves as a tool to determine the applicability to sold garments across various types of female athletes. | Dr. | Christopher K. | Rhea | https://youtu.be/zADRuVPtyrk | Health Sciences Community Impact: Scholarly Olivia Frangos - Kinesiology Who is the research for? Reviewing sample populations and the applicability of research designs in breast biomechanics: a systematic review The breast biomechanics field has emphasized the importance of proper breast support during activity. Improper support has been linked to mastalgia (pain), ptosis (sagging from tissue deformation), and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Furthermore, restricted range of motion, poor posture (kyphosis), tension headaches, frictional skin irritations, and negative body image can manifest from improper breast support. Despite the prevalence of these detrimental issues, there is a deficit in breast health education and intervention for active females. Still in its infancy (the sports bra was created in only 1977!), the generation and discussion of breast biomechanics research is crucial to the women’s health field. My research will evaluate the variation and extent of the female athletes being studied by evaluating participant population (demographics, inclusion, and exclusion criterion) and the activities explored in these studies. This scholarship serves as a tool to determine the applicability to sold garments across various types of female athletes. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Christopher K. Rhea |
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| Health Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Derek | Hevel | Kinesiology | Promoting Physical Activity through Emotions | Physical activity has physical and mental health benefits, yet most adults are not engaging in the recommended levels. Physical activity participation changes throughout the lifespan, particularly during the transitional period from young adulthood to adulthood, likely due to changes in responsibilities (e.g., school) and experiences (e.g., new social groups). Feeling more pleasant emotions during physical activity has been linked to increased physical activity participation months later. Yet, this relation has been examined in laboratory settings which likely does not represent how individuals engage in physical activity throughout their everyday life. Linking activity monitors and smartphones can better capture emotions during physical activity when it occurs in real-time and throughout everyday life. Emotions can then predict physical activity the following day. Relations in this study will provide foundational knowledge on how pleasant emotions can be harnessed to promote physical activity, and ultimately happiness and health during the transition into adulthood. | Dr. | Jaclyn P. | Maher | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RQUM2VeGTA | Health Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Derek Hevel - Kinesiology, IRB-FY21-0395 Promoting Physical Activity through Emotions Physical activity has physical and mental health benefits, yet most adults are not engaging in the recommended levels. Physical activity participation changes throughout the lifespan, particularly during the transitional period from young adulthood to adulthood, likely due to changes in responsibilities (e.g., school) and experiences (e.g., new social groups). Feeling more pleasant emotions during physical activity has been linked to increased physical activity participation months later. Yet, this relation has been examined in laboratory settings which likely does not represent how individuals engage in physical activity throughout their everyday life. Linking activity monitors and smartphones can better capture emotions during physical activity when it occurs in real-time and throughout everyday life. Emotions can then predict physical activity the following day. Relations in this study will provide foundational knowledge on how pleasant emotions can be harnessed to promote physical activity, and ultimately happiness and health during the transition into adulthood. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jaclyn P. Maher |
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| Health Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Brynn | Hudgins | Kinesiology | Does the type of sedentary behavior moderate affective responses during sedentary behavior among older adults? | Excessive sedentary behavior (SB) contributes to poor physical health and well-being, which is particularly concerning for older adults who are the most sedentary sector of the population. Specific types of SB, such as screen time, have been shown to more negatively impact aspects of mental health. This study used an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) design to examine the differential impact of screen time behaviors on momentary affective responses during SB in naturalistic settings. A sample of older adults completed an EMA protocol for 8-10 days with six randomly delivered, smartphone assessments per day. At each EMA, participants reported their current activity and affective states. Multilevel models assessed whether screen (vs. non-screen) behavior moderated affective response during SB. Older adults experienced less positive affect during SB when engaged in a screen behavior (B=-0.12, p<0.01). Among community dwelling older adults, sedentary screen time behaviors may lead to poor mental health and well-being. | Dr. | Jaclyn P. | Maher | Kelsey M. Bittel, Derek J. Hevel, Dr. Laurie Kennedy-Malone, and Dr. Genevieve F. Dunton | https://youtu.be/owIadEZYt9M | Health Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Brynn Hudgins – Kinesiology, Kelsey M. Bittel, Derek J. Hevel, Dr. Laurie Kennedy-Malone, and Dr. Genevieve F. Dunton, IRB-FY17-0579 Does the type of sedentary behavior moderate affective responses during sedentary behavior among older adults? Excessive sedentary behavior (SB) contributes to poor physical health and well-being, which is particularly concerning for older adults who are the most sedentary sector of the population. Specific types of SB, such as screen time, have been shown to more negatively impact aspects of mental health. This study used an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) design to examine the differential impact of screen time behaviors on momentary affective responses during SB in naturalistic settings. A sample of older adults completed an EMA protocol for 8-10 days with six randomly delivered, smartphone assessments per day. At each EMA, participants reported their current activity and affective states. Multilevel models assessed whether screen (vs. non-screen) behavior moderated affective response during SB. Older adults experienced less positive affect during SB when engaged in a screen behavior (B=-0.12, p<0.01). Among community dwelling older adults, sedentary screen time behaviors may lead to poor mental health and well-being. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jaclyn P. Maher |
| Health Sciences | Technological | Anitha | Jayapalan | Nanoscience | Hybridizing cobalt oxide@ carbon dot nanoparticles with doxorubicin and targeting ligand for selective anti-cancer efficacy | The posing challenge of advanced cancer theranostics is achieving high specificity and targeting cancerous cells and biocompatibility with normal human cells, which have led to perilous research on it. In this study, I synthesized a spherical hybrid nanoparticle with Co3O4 nanoparticles core and carbon nanodots (CNDs) shell using a microwave technique and characterized. Cellular uptake studies and viability assays were performed in two cell lines, A549 (cancer) and EAhy 926 (human), using confocal microscopy and Alamar blue assay for Co3O4@CNDs. These Co3O4@CNDs were conjugated with certain ligands such as transferrin to enhance anticancer efficacy and improve biocompatibility. The cell viability was studied for the conjugates of Co3O4@CNDs attached with different ligands. Transferrin-Doxorubicin conjugated Co3O4@CNDs specifically targeted A549 cells and are biocompatible with EAhy926 normal human cells. The development of such nanoparticles in theranostics can pave an excellent platform for improved therapy in our community. | Dr. | Jianjun | Wei | Frank Tukur | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FF6uOFY18E | Health Sciences Community Impact: Technological Anitha Jayapalan - Nanoscience, Frank Tukur Hybridizing cobalt oxide@ carbon dot nanoparticles with doxorubicin and targeting ligand for selective anti-cancer efficacy The posing challenge of advanced cancer theranostics is achieving high specificity and targeting cancerous cells and biocompatibility with normal human cells, which have led to perilous research on it. In this study, I synthesized a spherical hybrid nanoparticle with Co3O4 nanoparticles core and carbon nanodots (CNDs) shell using a microwave technique and characterized. Cellular uptake studies and viability assays were performed in two cell lines, A549 (cancer) and EAhy 926 (human), using confocal microscopy and Alamar blue assay for Co3O4@CNDs. These Co3O4@CNDs were conjugated with certain ligands such as transferrin to enhance anticancer efficacy and improve biocompatibility. The cell viability was studied for the conjugates of Co3O4@CNDs attached with different ligands. Transferrin-Doxorubicin conjugated Co3O4@CNDs specifically targeted A549 cells and are biocompatible with EAhy926 normal human cells. The development of such nanoparticles in theranostics can pave an excellent platform for improved therapy in our community. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jianjun Wei |
| Health Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Frank Morales | Shniader | Chemistry and Biochemistry | Stability and Degradation of Epitranscriptome During Sample Storage | The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the stability and degradation of a specific epitranscriptome which has been detected in human brain cells. There are 31 different RNA modifications in the epitranscriptome, each of them has unique properties and functions. Since corresponding standard of each RNA modification is not readily available, the epitranscriptome stability has not been studied, thus remain unknown. In this study, we focus on studying the epitranscriptome stability during the storage of cellular samples collected from our culture as well as the RNA samples that have been extracted from the cell culture. Over a period of 4 months on storing both cellular and RNA samples at -80 degrees Celsius, each sample was analyzed at regular time intervals by using an established mass spectrometry-based method in our laboratory. All 31 RNA modifications were profiled and compared with results obtained from fresh samples that were initially prepared. | Dr. | Norman | Chiu | Moukbel Nasr1, Jennifer H. Simpson1, and Bakhos A. Tannous2 | https://youtu.be/rx2gzgwYRT4 | Health Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Frank Morales Shniader - Chemistry and Biochemistry Moukbel Nasr1, Jennifer H. Simpson1, and Bakhos A. Tannous2 Stability and Degradation of Epitranscriptome During Sample Storage The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the stability and degradation of a specific epitranscriptome which has been detected in human brain cells. There are 31 different RNA modifications in the epitranscriptome, each of them has unique properties and functions. Since corresponding standard of each RNA modification is not readily available, the epitranscriptome stability has not been studied, thus remain unknown. In this study, we focus on studying the epitranscriptome stability during the storage of cellular samples collected from our culture as well as the RNA samples that have been extracted from the cell culture. Over a period of 4 months on storing both cellular and RNA samples at -80 degrees Celsius, each sample was analyzed at regular time intervals by using an established mass spectrometry-based method in our laboratory. All 31 RNA modifications were profiled and compared with results obtained from fresh samples that were initially prepared. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Norman Chiu |
| Health Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Moukbel | Nasr | Chemistry and Biochemistry | Determining the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) by a luciferase luminescent assay | Temozolomide (TMZ) is the most commonly prescribed drug for treating brain cancer. Statistically, about 90% of brain cancer patients died after 5 years. This has been attributed to the non-responsiveness to TMZ treatment. In order to simulate the development of TMZ resistance in our laboratory, we intend to expose selected human brain cell lines to TMZ at a regular dosage over six consecutive months. For determining the level of drug resistance, we have to determine the IC50 of TMZ at each specific time interval. To achieve this goal, we have established a robust luciferase luminescent assay in which the amount of an energy source named adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within the cells was measured. Only 3,000 cells were required in each assay, which could be completed in 15 mins including the lysis of cells. | Dr. | Norman | Chiu | Moukbel Nasr1, Renata L. Fleming2, Bakhos A. Tannous2, and Norman H. L. Chiu1 | https://youtu.be/kvBafGqulXw | Health Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Moukbel Nasr - Chemistry and Biochemistry, Moukbel Nasr1, Renata L. Fleming2, Bakhos A. Tannous2, and Norman H. L. Chiu1 Determining the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) by a luciferase luminescent assay Temozolomide (TMZ) is the most commonly prescribed drug for treating brain cancer. Statistically, about 90% of brain cancer patients died after 5 years. This has been attributed to the non-responsiveness to TMZ treatment. In order to simulate the development of TMZ resistance in our laboratory, we intend to expose selected human brain cell lines to TMZ at a regular dosage over six consecutive months. For determining the level of drug resistance, we have to determine the IC50 of TMZ at each specific time interval. To achieve this goal, we have established a robust luciferase luminescent assay in which the amount of an energy source named adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within the cells was measured. Only 3,000 cells were required in each assay, which could be completed in 15 mins including the lysis of cells. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Norman Chiu |
| Health Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Love | Odetola | Public Health Education | It's like there's salt' in the water | BACKGROUND. Exposure to lead has been linked to a variety of irreversible poor health outcomes, including lower IQ. Black children, including African immigrant children, are almost three times more likely to have elevated blood-lead levels, when compared to white children. AIM. This pilot study sought to qualitatively assess African immigrant participants’ knowledge, perceptions and practices around their tap water quality and lead exposure. METHODS. We used a multistage approach that included delineation of immigrant-rich neighborhoods, community engagement for recruitment and citizen science approaches to increase response rate. We then conducted semi-structured interviews with 8 African immigrant households. RESULTS. We identified a knowledge gap on lead exposure, mistrust of tap water and health-compromising practices among African immigrants. IMPLICATIONS. Community-based methods allowed us to overcome the current gap in knowledge of household-level lead levels, thereby opening new horizons for more effective interventions aimed at reducing exposure to lead among African immigrant populations. | Dr. | Sharon | Morrison | Stephen Sills | https://youtu.be/TK7zE2fkNyI | Health Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Love Odetola - Public Health Education, Stephen Sills, IRB-FY21-40 It's like there's salt' in the water BACKGROUND. Exposure to lead has been linked to a variety of irreversible poor health outcomes, including lower IQ. Black children, including African immigrant children, are almost three times more likely to have elevated blood-lead levels, when compared to white children. AIM. This pilot study sought to qualitatively assess African immigrant participants’ knowledge, perceptions and practices around their tap water quality and lead exposure. METHODS. We used a multistage approach that included delineation of immigrant-rich neighborhoods, community engagement for recruitment and citizen science approaches to increase response rate. We then conducted semi-structured interviews with 8 African immigrant households. RESULTS. We identified a knowledge gap on lead exposure, mistrust of tap water and health-compromising practices among African immigrants. IMPLICATIONS. Community-based methods allowed us to overcome the current gap in knowledge of household-level lead levels, thereby opening new horizons for more effective interventions aimed at reducing exposure to lead among African immigrant populations. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sharon Morrison |
| Health Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Jesse | Sims | Kinesiology | Subjective vs objective measures of thermoregulatory function during sleep in hot vs cold environments | Sleep is vital for life and allows for recovery and restoration of physiological and psychological function. However, sleep can be disrupted by several factors (e.g., elevated body temperature and hot environmental conditions), thus prompting the implementation of effective strategies to optimize the sleeping environment. Based on the body’s circadian rhythm, sleep ensues as the body temperature drops, with the lowest body temperature occurring approximately 2 hours prior to awakening. When individuals are exposed to warm or hot environmental conditions, particularly in the evening before bed, the decline in body temperature needed to maximize sleep and its restorative potential may be delayed. Therefore, it is hypothesized that sleeping in a warm environment will lead to a flattened core body temperature response and worse sleep quality, including lower stage 3 sleep. Determining the physiological changes during sleep in temperate environments will direct future research to optimize sleep quality in these conditions. | Dr. | Jessica | McNeil | Dr. Laurie Wideman Gold and Dr. William Adams | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihVSkrsEzGs | Health Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Jesse Sims and Hannah Koch - Kinesiology, Dr. Laurie Wideman Gold and Dr. William Adams, IRB-FY22-249 Subjective vs objective measures of thermoregulatory function during sleep in hot vs cold environments Sleep is vital for life and allows for recovery and restoration of physiological and psychological function. However, sleep can be disrupted by several factors (e.g., elevated body temperature and hot environmental conditions), thus prompting the implementation of effective strategies to optimize the sleeping environment. Based on the body’s circadian rhythm, sleep ensues as the body temperature drops, with the lowest body temperature occurring approximately 2 hours prior to awakening. When individuals are exposed to warm or hot environmental conditions, particularly in the evening before bed, the decline in body temperature needed to maximize sleep and its restorative potential may be delayed. Therefore, it is hypothesized that sleeping in a warm environment will lead to a flattened core body temperature response and worse sleep quality, including lower stage 3 sleep. Determining the physiological changes during sleep in temperate environments will direct future research to optimize sleep quality in these conditions. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jessica McNeil |
| Health Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Louisa | Tichy | Kinesiology | Effects of Low Intensity Treadmill Exercise during Cancer Cachexia in the Male Tumor Bearing Mouse | Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial wasting syndrome, responsible for up to 1/3 of deaths in cancer patients. Exercise has been shown to be a potential treatment intervention by slowing the development of this disease. Questions remain regarding the most effective duration and intensity of exercise as a protective measure against cancer cachexia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if low-intensity treadmill exercise can act as a protective measure against cancer-mediated muscle wasting in male mice. To test this, mice were either inoculated with tumor cells or remained non-tumor, and either underwent a treadmill protocol or remained sedentary for four weeks. We found that sedentary tumor-bearing mice exhibited the worst skeletal and cardiac function, whereas treadmill-trained tumor-bearing mice showed a preservation of skeletal and cardiac function, and exhibited significantly smaller tumor sizes. Therefore, low intensity exercise may be an effective, affordable, and accessible treatment intervention for cancer patients. | Dr. | Traci L. | Parry | Jason T. Brantley and Dr. Traci L. Parry | https://youtu.be/fSicPsLNFXs | Health Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Louisa Tichy - Kinesiology, Jason T. Brantley and Dr. Traci L. Parry Effects of Low Intensity Treadmill Exercise during Cancer Cachexia in the Male Tumor Bearing Mouse Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial wasting syndrome, responsible for up to 1/3 of deaths in cancer patients. Exercise has been shown to be a potential treatment intervention by slowing the development of this disease. Questions remain regarding the most effective duration and intensity of exercise as a protective measure against cancer cachexia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if low-intensity treadmill exercise can act as a protective measure against cancer-mediated muscle wasting in male mice. To test this, mice were either inoculated with tumor cells or remained non-tumor, and either underwent a treadmill protocol or remained sedentary for four weeks. We found that sedentary tumor-bearing mice exhibited the worst skeletal and cardiac function, whereas treadmill-trained tumor-bearing mice showed a preservation of skeletal and cardiac function, and exhibited significantly smaller tumor sizes. Therefore, low intensity exercise may be an effective, affordable, and accessible treatment intervention for cancer patients. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Traci L. Parry |
| Health Sciences | Scholarly | Jarod | Vance | Kinesiology | The effects of exercise on cognition: The impact of aging | With the growth of the older adult population, developing low-cost interventions to minimize cognitive decline is critical. Previous research has shown that exercise engagement is positively related to cognitive functioning. However, most of these studies have focused on young adults, with few studies examining older adults. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare cognitive functioning following a single bout of aerobic exercise in young and older adults. Memory was assessed on a no-exercise day and following 25 min of aerobic exercise. During the rest day, older adults performed worse than the young adults on all memory measures. Despite that, following the exercise, memory scores were nearly the same for both age groups. This study has shown that a single bout of aerobic exercise can turn back the clock on older adults cognitive functioning, and could indicate that even later in life, behavioral interventions could mitigate cognitive decline. | Dr. | Jennifer L. | Etnier | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bGMfilnLw | Health Sciences Community Impact: Scholarly Jarod Vance - Kinesiology, IRB-FY22-134 The effects of exercise on cognition: The impact of aging With the growth of the older adult population, developing low-cost interventions to minimize cognitive decline is critical. Previous research has shown that exercise engagement is positively related to cognitive functioning. However, most of these studies have focused on young adults, with few studies examining older adults. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare cognitive functioning following a single bout of aerobic exercise in young and older adults. Memory was assessed on a no-exercise day and following 25 min of aerobic exercise. During the rest day, older adults performed worse than the young adults on all memory measures. Despite that, following the exercise, memory scores were nearly the same for both age groups. This study has shown that a single bout of aerobic exercise can turn back the clock on older adults cognitive functioning, and could indicate that even later in life, behavioral interventions could mitigate cognitive decline. Faculty Mentor: Dr Jennifer L. Etnier |
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| Natural Sciences | Innovation | Tahniat | Afsari | Nanoscience | Nanoscale Rotating Robots Offers New Promising Biomedicinal Applications | Nanoscale robots are now designed in a way that can be traveled by rotating, translating, and pumping themselves under acoustic and chemical power. Nanoscale robots convert energy from surrounding environment into motion as microorganisms do. Understanding nanorobots collective behaviors and interaction mechanisms we can achieve controllability over their motion as well as their directionality. These controllable nanoscale robots can be manipulated in vitro and vivo depending on their compatible power source or a combination of power sources to enhance functionality. Thus, Nanorobots controllable motion will allow us to precisely use them in sensing, drug delivery, tissue drilling, and cancer cell destruction. | Dr. | Suzanne | Ahmed | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcqJYDQl19Q&t=70s | Natural Sciences Community Impact: Innovation Tahniat Afsari - Nanoscience Nanoscale Rotating Robots Offers New Promising Biomedicinal Applications Nanoscale robots are now designed in a way that can be traveled by rotating, translating, and pumping themselves under acoustic and chemical power. Nanoscale robots convert energy from surrounding environment into motion as microorganisms do. Understanding nanorobots collective behaviors and interaction mechanisms we can achieve controllability over their motion as well as their directionality. These controllable nanoscale robots can be manipulated in vitro and vivo depending on their compatible power source or a combination of power sources to enhance functionality. Thus, Nanorobots controllable motion will allow us to precisely use them in sensing, drug delivery, tissue drilling, and cancer cell destruction. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Suzanne Ahmed |
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| Natural Sciences | Environmental | Kathryn | Bloodworth | Biology | Effects of fire frequency on shaping multiple conservation outcomes in tallgrass prairie. | Grasslands have highly flammable plant matter, which coupled with climatic conditions leads to the occurrence of periodic fires. In tallgrass prairie—an ecosystem that once stretched from south-central Canada to Texas—fire plays an important role in ecosystem health. However, the effect of fire frequency (i.e., number of fires) has mainly been studied in the context of just one ecosystem conservation outcome at a time (e.g., either effects on plants, birds, or small mammals). To address this research gap, we are synthesizing data across 232 published papers using a meta-analysis approach. Our data are spread across the tallgrass prairie region with most studies assessing plants (132), birds (43), and arthropods (36), and few studies looking at small mammals (12), soil nitrogen (9), microbial biomass (5), and soil carbon (4). Upon completing this study, we will inform land managers about the most effective fire frequency for their conservation outcomes of interest. | Dr. | Sally E. | Koerner | Sarah Gora, Dr. Clare Kazanski, and Dr. Elizabeth Bach | https://youtu.be/x-ufNmSQzGc | Natural Sciences Community Impact: Environmental Kathryn Bloodworth - Biology, Sarah Gora, Dr. Clare Kazanski, and Dr. Elizabeth Bach Effects of fire frequency on shaping multiple conservation outcomes in tallgrass prairie. Grasslands have highly flammable plant matter, which coupled with climatic conditions leads to the occurrence of periodic fires. In tallgrass prairie—an ecosystem that once stretched from south-central Canada to Texas—fire plays an important role in ecosystem health. However, the effect of fire frequency (i.e., number of fires) has mainly been studied in the context of just one ecosystem conservation outcome at a time (e.g., either effects on plants, birds, or small mammals). To address this research gap, we are synthesizing data across 232 published papers using a meta-analysis approach. Our data are spread across the tallgrass prairie region with most studies assessing plants (132), birds (43), and arthropods (36), and few studies looking at small mammals (12), soil nitrogen (9), microbial biomass (5), and soil carbon (4). Upon completing this study, we will inform land managers about the most effective fire frequency for their conservation outcomes of interest. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sally E. Koerner |
| Natural Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Seraiah | Coe | Biology | Are grandparents’ lifestyles responsible for their grandchildren’s health? | The general population was exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) beginning seven decades ago. We have found that BPA exposure-specific ancestrally induced memories on DNA (i.e. epimutations) can be passed down to subsequent generations. The current generation now harbors these ancestral epimutations while being exposed to novel chemicals such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). PFOS is used in the manufacturing of hundreds of items, this near ubiquitous contact with PFOS is concerning as PFOS exposure has been linked to numerous negative health effects. It is not clearly understood if individuals with a history of ancestral BPA specific epimutations are insensitive or ultrasensitive to the results of exposure to contemporary environmental chemicals of emerging concern (CECs), particularly PFOS. This study addresses this issue using medaka fish (Orizias latipes) as an animal model to examine sensitivity to PFOS exposure during early development. Our present results suggest that individuals with ancestral BPA exposure are at an increased risk of developing adverse health effects when exposed to low concentrations of PFOS. | Dr. | Ramji | Bhandari | Sourav Chakraborty and Dr. Ramji Bhandari | https://youtu.be/jyTShj2ZF6Y | Natural Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Seraiah Coe - Biology, Sourav Chakraborty and Dr. Ramji Bhandari, IACUC #20-002 Are grandparents’ lifestyles responsible for their grandchildren’s health? The general population was exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) beginning seven decades ago. We have found that BPA exposure-specific ancestrally induced memories on DNA (i.e. epimutations) can be passed down to subsequent generations. The current generation now harbors these ancestral epimutations while being exposed to novel chemicals such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). PFOS is used in the manufacturing of hundreds of items, this near ubiquitous contact with PFOS is concerning as PFOS exposure has been linked to numerous negative health effects. It is not clearly understood if individuals with a history of ancestral BPA specific epimutations are insensitive or ultrasensitive to the results of exposure to contemporary environmental chemicals of emerging concern (CECs), particularly PFOS. This study addresses this issue using medaka fish (Orizias latipes) as an animal model to examine sensitivity to PFOS exposure during early development. Our present results suggest that individuals with ancestral BPA exposure are at an increased risk of developing adverse health effects when exposed to low concentrations of PFOS. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ramji Bhandari |
| Natural Sciences | Scholarly | Josh | Frost | Chemistry and Biochemistry | Stereoselective Small Molecule Desymmetrizations | Molecules that have an asymmetric center are ubiquitous throughout natural products and pharmaceutical chemistry and play an important role in these products’ effectiveness. Yet, their consistent synthesis can remain a challenge. Desymmetrization reactions are one way to consistently make these asymmetric molecules in high purities, while also allowing for their diversification. Our lab has developed several novel desymmetrizations that allow access to asymmetric lactones - motifs present in several important drug molecules - through a novel use of the Pinner reaction. Easy access to molecules such as these not only has the potential to advance the field of organic chemistry, but can have impacts on the synthesis of new drug molecules. | Dr. | Kimberly | Petersen | https://youtu.be/ej5JnQ0dAj0 | Natural Sciences Community Impact: Scholarly Josh Frost - Chemistry and Biochemistry Stereoselective Small Molecule Desymmetrizations Molecules that have an asymmetric center are ubiquitous throughout natural products and pharmaceutical chemistry and play an important role in these products’ effectiveness. Yet, their consistent synthesis can remain a challenge. Desymmetrization reactions are one way to consistently make these asymmetric molecules in high purities, while also allowing for their diversification. Our lab has developed several novel desymmetrizations that allow access to asymmetric lactones - motifs present in several important drug molecules - through a novel use of the Pinner reaction. Easy access to molecules such as these not only has the potential to advance the field of organic chemistry, but can have impacts on the synthesis of new drug molecules. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kimberly Petersen |
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| Natural Sciences | Environmental | Sarah | Gora | Biology | Nitrogen response of belowground traits in tallgrass prairie | Anthropogenic effects are pervasive, ignoring country and even conservation boundaries, including nitrogen deposition which alters nutrient limitation with cascading consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem function. This project investigates the effect of nitrogen addition on belowground plant traits, which are underexplored due to the unique challenges of studying them, yet are critical for understanding important processes such as carbon sequestration. Specifically, I will take advantage of three long-term and on-going nutrient addition experiments at the Konza Long-term Ecological Research Site in Manhattan, Kansas. Using these platforms, I will explore how nitrogen addition affects belowground traits of five different plant species in the tallgrass prairie community over a six-week data collection period, sampling each species at its peak flowering time. Understanding the relationship between plant traits and certain variables like nitrogen addition will help improve our ability to predict future response to global change drivers. | Dr. | Sally E. | Koerner | https://youtu.be/Q7b7O_sABKw | Natural Sciences Community Impact: Environmental Sarah Gora - Biology Nitrogen response of belowground traits in tallgrass prairie Anthropogenic effects are pervasive, ignoring country and even conservation boundaries, including nitrogen deposition which alters nutrient limitation with cascading consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem function. This project investigates the effect of nitrogen addition on belowground plant traits, which are underexplored due to the unique challenges of studying them, yet are critical for understanding important processes such as carbon sequestration. Specifically, I will take advantage of three long-term and on-going nutrient addition experiments at the Konza Long-term Ecological Research Site in Manhattan, Kansas. Using these platforms, I will explore how nitrogen addition affects belowground traits of five different plant species in the tallgrass prairie community over a six-week data collection period, sampling each species at its peak flowering time. Understanding the relationship between plant traits and certain variables like nitrogen addition will help improve our ability to predict future response to global change drivers. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sally E. Koerner |
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| Natural Sciences | Educational | Kalani | Thalagoda | Mathematics and Statistics | Patterns, Symmetry, Math and Modular Forms | The words patterns and symmetry do not sound very mathematical, right? I will convince you otherwise. Mathematics can describe many patterns and symmetry that occur in the real world from patterns of flower petals to ocean waves. Why stop there? Modular forms are mysterious looking objects that have a lot of hidden patterns and symmetry. It has so much symmetry to a point where even Mathematicians were surprised by their existence. You might think, if they are so great, why aren’t people talking about them more? That could be because they are hard to find and hard to describe. Here is where I come to rescue. I develop computational methods for finding Modular forms to extract various patterns. In this video I will talk about some of the examples that I found and what I plan to do with them moving forward. | Dr. | Dan | Yasaki | https://youtu.be/IqJm14d9WSA | Natural Sciences Community Impact: Educational Kalani Thalagoda - Mathematics and Statistics Patterns, Symmetry, Math and Modular Forms The words patterns and symmetry do not sound very mathematical, right? I will convince you otherwise. Mathematics can describe many patterns and symmetry that occur in the real world from patterns of flower petals to ocean waves. Why stop there? Modular forms are mysterious looking objects that have a lot of hidden patterns and symmetry. It has so much symmetry to a point where even Mathematicians were surprised by their existence. You might think, if they are so great, why aren’t people talking about them more? That could be because they are hard to find and hard to describe. Here is where I come to rescue. I develop computational methods for finding Modular forms to extract various patterns. In this video I will talk about some of the examples that I found and what I plan to do with them moving forward. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dan Yasaki |
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| Physical & Mathematical Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Jong Won (Peter) | Lee | Mathematics and Statistics | Generating Multiple Regression model of the romantic relationships’ association with borderline personality disorder traits. | Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment and by a pattern of unstable and intense relationships. The purpose of this study is to investigate what functions do relationships serve for those high on BPD traits that make relationships so valuable. In this study, a generated bidirectional stepwise multiple regression was conducted to identify aspects of romantic relationships that are associated with BPD. Psychological questionnaires provided an operational representation of the romantic relationship. PAI-BOR has been used to represent BPD traits, DAS for relationship satisfaction, ECR-R for attachment-related anxiety, SPS for social support on the relationship, WHOTO for attachment functions, and RPS for the type of passions. The results show a positive relationship with anxiety, reassurance of worth, obsessive passion, and a negative relationship with social integration and healthy passion. | Dr. | Jianping | Sun | Dr. Rosemery Nelson-Gray and Dr. Jake King | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkMwJbTBxzw | Physical & Mathematical Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Jong Won (Peter) Lee - Mathematics and Statistics, Dr. Rosemery Nelson-Gray and Dr. Jake King, IRB 13-0181 Generating Multiple Regression model of the romantic relationships’ association with borderline personality disorder traits Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment and by a pattern of unstable and intense relationships. The purpose of this study is to investigate what functions do relationships serve for those high on BPD traits that make relationships so valuable. In this study, a generated bidirectional stepwise multiple regression was conducted to identify aspects of romantic relationships that are associated with BPD. Psychological questionnaires provided an operational representation of the romantic relationship. PAI-BOR has been used to represent BPD traits, DAS for relationship satisfaction, ECR-R for attachment-related anxiety, SPS for social support on the relationship, WHOTO for attachment functions, and RPS for the type of passions. The results show a positive relationship with anxiety, reassurance of worth, obsessive passion, and a negative relationship with social integration and healthy passion. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jianping Sun |
| Physical & Mathematical Sciences | Health and/or Safety | Frank | Tukur | Nanoscience | Lab-on-a-chip Sensor For Disease Diagnostics | Imagine repeating World War II every 5 years. The 70-85 Million casualty equates the number of deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is the leading cause of deaths (42.1%) in the US. Early diagnosis is key to surviving CVD. Our research focuses on building a portable, rapid, and selective Lab-on-a-chip device that detects low levels of troponin, whose presence in blood indicates the risk of an heart attack. The chip consists of an array of channels that are 1000 times smaller than the diameter of the human hair created on a thin film of metallic gold. The channels are modified with short pieces of DNA which specifically target troponin. The metallic arrays interact with light to generate signals that changes due to binding activities at the metal surface. We hope for this sensor to do today what what the glucose sensor did to the diabetic; save lives. | Dr. | Wei | Jianjun | Dr. Bhawna Bagra | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMHlNmr8sIE | Physical & Mathematical Sciences Community Impact: Health and/or Safety Frank Tukur - Nanoscience, Dr. Bhawna Bagra Lab-on-a-chip Sensor For Disease Diagnostics Imagine repeating World War II every 5 years. The 70-85 Million casualty equates the number of deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is the leading cause of deaths (42.1%) in the US. Early diagnosis is key to surviving CVD. Our research focuses on building a portable, rapid, and selective Lab-on-a-chip device that detects low levels of troponin, whose presence in blood indicates the risk of an heart attack. The chip consists of an array of channels that are 1000 times smaller than the diameter of the human hair created on a thin film of metallic gold. The channels are modified with short pieces of DNA which specifically target troponin. The metallic arrays interact with light to generate signals that changes due to binding activities at the metal surface. We hope for this sensor to do today what what the glucose sensor did to the diabetic; save lives. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Wei Jianjun |
| Social Sciences, Education, & Business | Educational | Shoroq | Alkhattabi | Specialized Education Services | Where Do Students with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities Belong? | Students with moderate intellectual disabilities are still separated from their typical peers in their classrooms. These students receive their education in special education classrooms (i.e., self-contained classrooms) for students with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia. In this presentation, I am going to talk about my research by explaining where these students are currently placed, where they should belong, and why this is such an important topic that needs to be addressed. | Dr. | Diane | Ryndak | https://youtu.be/9MW_oyBh2C0 | Social Sciences, Education, & Business Community Impact: Educational Shoroq Alkhattabi - Specialized Education Services, IRB-FY20-0255 Where Do Students with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities Belong? Students with moderate intellectual disabilities are still separated from their typical peers in their classrooms. These students receive their education in special education classrooms (i.e., self-contained classrooms) for students with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia. In this presentation, I am going to talk about my research by explaining where these students are currently placed, where they should belong, and why this is such an important topic that needs to be addressed. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Diane Ryndak |
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| Social Sciences, Education, & Business | Educational | Seunghyun | Baek | Kinesiology | Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in Physical Education teacher education | Even though promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion has long been one of the critical issues to be addressed in both Physical Education (PE) and Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) contexts (Landi et al., 2020), there still remained questions regarding how to teach PE teachers these concepts (Evans, 2016). Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore university educators' perspectives of promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in PETE. 18 university educators participated in this study from 10 different countries. Individual interviews were conducted with each participant on Zoom focused on their understanding of how to enhance equity, inclusion, and diversity in PETE contexts. Qualitative data analysis was conducted to generate themes from the collected data (Miles et al., 2014). The findings were as follows: a) Being responsive to different cultures, b) Engaging diverse perspectives and experiences, c) Understanding our own privileges, d) Getting out of our comfort zones. | Dr. | Ben | Dyson | Donal Howley and Yanhua Shen | https://youtu.be/LIY-DmBNjUo | Social Sciences, Education, & Business Community Impact: Educational Seunghyun Baek - Kinesiology, Donal Howley and Yanhua Shen, IRB-FY20-0422 Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in Physical Education teacher education Even though promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion has long been one of the critical issues to be addressed in both Physical Education (PE) and Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) contexts (Landi et al., 2020), there still remained questions regarding how to teach PE teachers these concepts (Evans, 2016). Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore university educators' perspectives of promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in PETE. 18 university educators participated in this study from 10 different countries. Individual interviews were conducted with each participant on Zoom focused on their understanding of how to enhance equity, inclusion, and diversity in PETE contexts. Qualitative data analysis was conducted to generate themes from the collected data (Miles et al., 2014). The findings were as follows: a) Being responsive to different cultures, b) Engaging diverse perspectives and experiences, c) Understanding our own privileges, d) Getting out of our comfort zones. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ben Dyson |
| Social Sciences, Education, & Business | Educational | Kayla | Baker | Educational Leadership & Cultural Foundations | The Backbone is Speaking: Uplifting Black Women Voices on the Socialization of Black Youth | Uplifting the voices of six Black women, this project explores what Black women teach Black youth and the why behind their socialization philosophies and strategies. Their perspectives on social messages sent to Black youth and strategies needed in order to combat and dismantle the behaviors, discrimination, and systems of oppression that impede the success and progress of Black youth are analyzed as a means to inform the ways we can support, uplift, and empower this group. Dance choreography is used for symbolism, meaning, and purpose connected to the counternarratives shared through the women’s stories. The findings suggest the importance of grounding our interactions in an appreciation for Black history, looking to the historical past and ancestors as source of strength and triumph, surrounding Black youth with a supportive community, and increasing the awareness Black youth have concerning the negative societal influences that are working against them. | Dr. | Leila | Villaverde | https://youtu.be/WObDHkyQlrs | Social Sciences, Education, & Business Community Impact: Educational Kayla Baker - Educational Leadership & Cultural Foundations The Backbone is Speaking: Uplifting Black Women Voices on the Socialization of Black Youth Uplifting the voices of six Black women, this project explores what Black women teach Black youth and the why behind their socialization philosophies and strategies. Their perspectives on social messages sent to Black youth and strategies needed in order to combat and dismantle the behaviors, discrimination, and systems of oppression that impede the success and progress of Black youth are analyzed as a means to inform the ways we can support, uplift, and empower this group. Dance choreography is used for symbolism, meaning, and purpose connected to the counternarratives shared through the women’s stories. The findings suggest the importance of grounding our interactions in an appreciation for Black history, looking to the historical past and ancestors as source of strength and triumph, surrounding Black youth with a supportive community, and increasing the awareness Black youth have concerning the negative societal influences that are working against them. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Leila Villaverde |
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| Social Sciences, Education, & Business | Social | Cathryn | Bennett | Teacher Education and Higher Education | Refugee Women and Higher Education Across S/Place and Time | This critical qualitative study explores refugee women and higher education (HE), an understudied area, to establish a foundation within HE to trouble refugee women’s educational exclusion. The theoretical framework illuminates perceptual, sociological, ideological, political, and ecological dimensions of place (Greenwood, 2003). Explicitly, how do refugee women participant’s forced migration journeys and resettlement in the U.S. south shape their thinking about higher education through the senses, social relationships, beliefs, policy, and placement in the social hierarchy? Specifically, affordances and constraints of refugee law and policy as applied in the place of the U.S. south as a resettlement context are filtered through participants’ closest affiliations, namely either federally funded resettlement agencies or refugee non-profits. Findings suggest these relational spaces of refugee women’s engagement structure their higher education beliefs along a continuum of essentializing-to-humanizing; “essentialization” imposes employment and forecloses education while “humanization” attends to refugee women as whole people worthy of higher education. | Dr. | Delma | Ramos | https://youtu.be/WObDHkyQlrs | Social Sciences, Education, & Business Community Impact: Social Cathryn Bennett - Teacher Education and Higher Education Refugee Women and Higher Education Across S/Place and Time This critical qualitative study explores refugee women and higher education (HE), an understudied area, to establish a foundation within HE to trouble refugee women’s educational exclusion. The theoretical framework illuminates perceptual, sociological, ideological, political, and ecological dimensions of place (Greenwood, 2003). Explicitly, how do refugee women participant’s forced migration journeys and resettlement in the U.S. south shape their thinking about higher education through the senses, social relationships, beliefs, policy, and placement in the social hierarchy? Specifically, affordances and constraints of refugee law and policy as applied in the place of the U.S. south as a resettlement context are filtered through participants’ closest affiliations, namely either federally funded resettlement agencies or refugee non-profits. Findings suggest these relational spaces of refugee women’s engagement structure their higher education beliefs along a continuum of essentializing-to-humanizing; “essentialization” imposes employment and forecloses education while “humanization” attends to refugee women as whole people worthy of higher education. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Delma Ramos |
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| Social Sciences, Education, & Business | Technological | Md Arif | Iqbal | Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies | Technology Adoption in the Apparel Industry of Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study | "The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand the technology adoption-related factors and influences perceived by top industry professionals. Using the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework, this study employed a two-step analytical approach of sampling and conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with top industry professionals from eight Bangladeshi apparel firms, including four large, two medium, and two relatively small factories. Based on the thematic analysis of the interview data, the findings identified were organized according to the TOE framework. The findings indicate that technology adoption decision in Bangladesh apparel firms is primarily based on perceived benefits, technical compatibility, investment cost, and availability of training and technical support. Firm size, business scope, and financial capability were found as organizational factors, whereas buyer pressure, local and global competition, government policies, and sustainability were found as environmental factors of technology adoption. This study helps the stakeholders to understand the apparel firms’ technology adoption behavior." | Dr. | Jin | Su | https://youtu.be/s0SoifYTVcw | Social Sciences, Education, & Business Community Impact: Technological Md Arif Iqbal - Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies Technology Adoption in the Apparel Industry of Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study "The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand the technology adoption-related factors and influences perceived by top industry professionals. Using the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework, this study employed a two-step analytical approach of sampling and conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with top industry professionals from eight Bangladeshi apparel firms, including four large, two medium, and two relatively small factories. Based on the thematic analysis of the interview data, the findings identified were organized according to the TOE framework. The findings indicate that technology adoption decision in Bangladesh apparel firms is primarily based on perceived benefits, technical compatibility, investment cost, and availability of training and technical support. Firm size, business scope, and financial capability were found as organizational factors, whereas buyer pressure, local and global competition, government policies, and sustainability were found as environmental factors of technology adoption. This study helps the stakeholders to understand the apparel firms’ technology adoption behavior." Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jin Su |
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| Social Sciences, Education, & Business | Scholarly | Imani | Mitchell | Human Development and Family Studies | Does timing of exposure matter: Maternal depressive symptoms in early and middle childhood and academic outcomes in adolescence | "Major depression is the most common mental health disorder in the United States. Its prevalence is higher among ethnic minority women. The current study examined the association between maternal depressive symptoms in early and middle childhood and academic outcomes in adolescence among African American and Hispanic youth. The sample included 2568 African American and Hispanic mothers from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, analyzed by multivariate regression techniques. Maternal depressive symptoms experienced at year 3 were significantly related to lower academic performance for African American and Hispanic adolescents. The interaction between race and maternal depressive symptoms at year 3 was not significantly associated with either academic achievement or performance for African American and Hispanic youth. These findings provide important information to practitioners and policymakers on ways to reduce the education gap between African American and Hispanic students and their peers, and ways to center minority perspectives in research." | Dr. | Sudha | Shreeniwas | https://youtu.be/-4UDFSpJxP8 | Social Sciences, Education, & Business Community Impact: Scholarly Imani Mitchell - Human Development and Family Studies Does timing of exposure matter: Maternal depressive symptoms in early and middle childhood and academic outcomes in adolescence "Major depression is the most common mental health disorder in the United States. Its prevalence is higher among ethnic minority women. The current study examined the association between maternal depressive symptoms in early and middle childhood and academic outcomes in adolescence among African American and Hispanic youth. The sample included 2568 African American and Hispanic mothers from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, analyzed by multivariate regression techniques. Maternal depressive symptoms experienced at year 3 were significantly related to lower academic performance for African American and Hispanic adolescents. The interaction between race and maternal depressive symptoms at year 3 was not significantly associated with either academic achievement or performance for African American and Hispanic youth. These findings provide important information to practitioners and policymakers on ways to reduce the education gap between African American and Hispanic students and their peers, and ways to center minority perspectives in research." Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sudha Shreeniwas |
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| Social Sciences, Education, & Business | Educational | Michelle | Rose | Music Education | The Impact of Web Cameras on Middle and High School Students Enrolled in Online Music Classes | Online education has grown immensely over the past two decades, especially due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Without the four classroom walls and physical proximity to students, teachers must adapt their instruction to a virtual environment. Few researchers have studied the academic impacts of web cameras during whole-group synchronous learning, especially at the K-12 level. Nevertheless, many K-12 online schools have enacted camera policies without fully understanding how these policies impact student learning. My study will investigate the impact of web cameras on student engagement, achievement, and comfort levels during synchronous general music classes. Through this study, I hope to fill part of the research gap in online education and provide better insight into how web cameras impact students. | Dr. | Rebecca | MacLeod | https://youtu.be/Wh6SvxRb73E | Social Sciences, Education, & Business Community Impact: Educational Michelle Rose - Music Education, IRB-FY22-173 The Impact of Web Cameras on Middle and High School Students Enrolled in Online Music Classes Online education has grown immensely over the past two decades, especially due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Without the four classroom walls and physical proximity to students, teachers must adapt their instruction to a virtual environment. Few researchers have studied the academic impacts of web cameras during whole-group synchronous learning, especially at the K-12 level. Nevertheless, many K-12 online schools have enacted camera policies without fully understanding how these policies impact student learning. My study will investigate the impact of web cameras on student engagement, achievement, and comfort levels during synchronous general music classes. Through this study, I hope to fill part of the research gap in online education and provide better insight into how web cameras impact students. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rebecca MacLeod |
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| Social Sciences, Education, & Business | Educational | Edward | Sheehy | Masters in Applied Arts and Sciences | The Polis Framework and the Democratization of Education | How might we foster a learning environment that democratizes education? For those who believe that the future of the human race will be secured through the cooperation of all people working together to solve problems, we must take a critical look at the process of education and how we are preparing students to play a role in our democratic societies. Educational theories of the past could not sufficiently answer this question, nor could they meet the complex challenges of our modern world, and so I got to work creating my own educational theory to infuse democratic principles and processes in the learning environment. Thus was born the “Polis Framework,” my answer to the systemic ailments that plague modern secondary education, and the solutions that will help propel it forward into a new era of democratized, accessible, meaningful learning for a diverse generation of learners. | Dr. | Susie | Boles | Jeff Jackson, Warren Milteer, Jr. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4rgpBmPuWw | Social Sciences, Education, & Business Community Impact: Educational Edward Sheehy - Masters in Applied Arts and Sciences The Polis Framework and the Democratization of Education How might we foster a learning environment that democratizes education? For those who believe that the future of the human race will be secured through the cooperation of all people working together to solve problems, we must take a critical look at the process of education and how we are preparing students to play a role in our democratic societies. Educational theories of the past could not sufficiently answer this question, nor could they meet the complex challenges of our modern world, and so I got to work creating my own educational theory to infuse democratic principles and processes in the learning environment. Thus was born the “Polis Framework,” my answer to the systemic ailments that plague modern secondary education, and the solutions that will help propel it forward into a new era of democratized, accessible, meaningful learning for a diverse generation of learners. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Susie Boles |
| Social Sciences, Education, & Business | Educational | Ti'Era | Worsley | Higher Education - Science | Of Course I Signed Up For STEM With You! Informal STEM Learning Environments as a Socio-Spatial Imaginary | Informal STEM learning environments (ISLE) have been identified as sites where Black youth can engage in STEM in meaningful ways. The affordances of ISLE include leveraging youth’s funds of knowledge and community cultural wealth to engage in STEM through its multiple entry points. However, less is known about the role of the informal STEM educator and how they support the development of Black Educational Spaces (BES). This research looks at how an ISLE was designed for Black teenage youth and the teaching practices accompanied. I present three illustrative vignettes focused on different possibilities of BES; 1) youth agency in decision-making, 2) stability in critical community, and 3) youth actualization of STEM capabilities. What surfaced is that the educator’s role is critical in supporting Black youth and their STEM interests. Their interests are interconnected with confounding factors from their lived experiences because youth do not enter ISLE as blank slates. | Dr. | Edna | Tan | https://youtu.be/E9OQbFsCzN0 | Social Sciences, Education, & Business Community Impact: Educational Ti'Era Worsley - Higher Education - Science, IRB 17-0345 Of Course I Signed Up For STEM With You! Informal STEM Learning Environments as a Socio-Spatial Imaginary Informal STEM learning environments (ISLE) have been identified as sites where Black youth can engage in STEM in meaningful ways. The affordances of ISLE include leveraging youth’s funds of knowledge and community cultural wealth to engage in STEM through its multiple entry points. However, less is known about the role of the informal STEM educator and how they support the development of Black Educational Spaces (BES). This research looks at how an ISLE was designed for Black teenage youth and the teaching practices accompanied. I present three illustrative vignettes focused on different possibilities of BES; 1) youth agency in decision-making, 2) stability in critical community, and 3) youth actualization of STEM capabilities. What surfaced is that the educator’s role is critical in supporting Black youth and their STEM interests. Their interests are interconnected with confounding factors from their lived experiences because youth do not enter ISLE as blank slates. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Edna Tan |
