Schedule of Events
McNair Scholars Program Poster Session
Monday, April 19, 2021
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Overton Hall
Students will present their posters in an exhibit-style
format and will be available to answer any questions by
attendees.
Student Abstracts
Labeling and the Advanced Placement (AP) Program
The process of sorting and grouping students, known as tracking, begins with identifying students’ intellectual capabilities and accomplishments. While there is a pre-consisting belief that students learn better or more in groups of similar abilities, such categorization creates a gateway for labeling and stigmatization (Oakes, 1985; Thomson, 2012). The purpose of this study is to gain more information regarding the varying experiences students encounter when in Advanced Placement (AP) or non-AP tracks as well as to provide more information on the implications of labeling on a student’s academic success, academic self-efficacy and a school’s academic culture and how it is facilitated through academic tracking within high schools. These potential findings may help to inform potential solutions that will be able to lessen the educational achievement gap. For this qualitative research, there are nine student participants and two teacher participants who are 18 years old or older and either have graduated from or currently teach at a public high school in the U.S. Participants were interviewed over Zoom and asked about their educational experiences in high school, teacher-student interactions, and their school’s academic culture. In addition, high school graduate participants completed a brief demographic questionnaire via Qualtrics that asked about their age, income level, race/ethnicity, educational plans, etc. After interviews were conducted, participants were later invited to an optional focus group via Zoom where they were debriefed on common themes found during the interview and were allowed to ask questions. Data collected is currently being analyzed using the software, Dedoose.
Student(s):
Yolanda Arciniega
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Cynthia Duarte
Chronotype and the Impact of Self-Compassion on Positive Reframing when Coping with Ostracism in Young Adults
There are known biological, sociological, and psychological differences between chronotypes which may indicate the important role this trait has when addressing psychosocial stressors in one’s daily life. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the possible differences in mental health outcomes between morning and evening chronotypes, focusing on the impact self-compassion (SC) has on how effective positive reframing (PR) is when coping with ostracism in young adults.
This study included 272 young adults recruited through MTurk. They were asked to complete a scale (Adan & Almirall, 1991) labeling them as a morning or evening type, followed by being asked to recall an experience of ostracism (Craighead, et al., 1979; Molden, et al., 2009; Pickett, et al., 2004; Williams & Fitness, 2004). Participants were randomly assigned to a coping strategy before responding to various mental health outcomes. Evening types experienced higher levels of psychological distress than morning types. Young adults in the Self-Compassion/Positive Reframing condition reported less over psychological distress after recalling a past experience of ostracism than those in the Positive Reframing/Self-Compassion condition i. This suggests that self-compassion prior to cognitive reappraisal when addressing a psychosocial stressor may be more beneficial than when reappraising the stressor first. Those in the control condition reported having the least amount of psychological distress out of all of the coping conditions. The heightened state of arousal and stress young adults are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is discussed as a possible factor influencing the outcomes of the present study.
This study included 272 young adults recruited through MTurk. They were asked to complete a scale (Adan & Almirall, 1991) labeling them as a morning or evening type, followed by being asked to recall an experience of ostracism (Craighead, et al., 1979; Molden, et al., 2009; Pickett, et al., 2004; Williams & Fitness, 2004). Participants were randomly assigned to a coping strategy before responding to various mental health outcomes. Evening types experienced higher levels of psychological distress than morning types. Young adults in the Self-Compassion/Positive Reframing condition reported less over psychological distress after recalling a past experience of ostracism than those in the Positive Reframing/Self-Compassion condition i. This suggests that self-compassion prior to cognitive reappraisal when addressing a psychosocial stressor may be more beneficial than when reappraising the stressor first. Those in the control condition reported having the least amount of psychological distress out of all of the coping conditions. The heightened state of arousal and stress young adults are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is discussed as a possible factor influencing the outcomes of the present study.
Student(s):
Rachel Ayala
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Amanda ElBassiouny
Understanding the Experiences of LatinX Community Members
During Donald J. Trump’s presidential administration a great percentage of mainstream media coverage consisted of his negative and racially discriminatory remarks towards multiple ethinic communities, particularly the LatinX community. Through his controversial implementation of the family separation policy for migrants, a policy referred to as a “zero tolerance” approach intended to discourage illegal immigration and his insistence to “build the wall,” encouraged physical and verbal racial discriminative actions towards LatinX communities within the public, most particularly coming from his supporters. This research intends to find if factors such as fear of deportation or stereotypes within media sources play a role on the decision of undocumented and documented 12th grade and/or high school graduates in pursuing higher education. This study provides more information about the experiences of students who are currently or were under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy, as well as the implications it may have on their educational journey. The research intends to answer the following questions:What are some of the misrepresentations of LatinX community members seen through the media? How have these experiences shaped the way young LatinX adults see higher education? Through an in-depth survey the participants will be able to provide answers to personal questions in which their preference of annonminity will be respected if they desire to not engage in providing sensitive information that would reveal their immigration status. Their responses will be measured in a qualitative format in order to understand their experiences as individuals.
Student(s):
Maria Barragan
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Aaron Heresco
How A Defendant's Race/Ethnicity, Age, and Victim Impact Statements Affect A Mock Parole Board's Decision-Making
The topic of inequalities in the criminal justice system is a very prevalent topic in today’s world. Past research has examined how variables such as a defendant’s race/ethnicity, victim impact statements, and the victim’s social class have affected a juror’s decision making. (Schweitzer 2017) These variables have created a bias that exists in the criminal justice system. The current study examines this bias in the context of parole board decision-making and explores how these decisions are impacted by a defendant’s race/ethnicity, age at offense, and public opinion. A sample of approximately 700 people from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk will be gathered. The participants will read a case file of a person who is incarcerated and will alter the person’s race/ethnicity, their age at which they committed the offense, and will include a victim impact statement. Mock parole board members will then evaluate whether parole should be granted, along with traits and emotional evaluations related to the person. It is expected that a Black or Latino defendant will have a decreased likelihood of being released on parole than a White defendant. It is also anticipated that a defendant who committed the crime as a juvenile will have an increased chance of being paroled than one who was an adult at the time. Furthermore, it is expected that including a victim impact statement will decrease a defendant’s chances of being released. This study will provide insight as to how different extralegal variables can impact parole board decision-making on an individual basis.
Student(s):
Makenah Biscoe
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Amanda ElBassiouny
Exploring the Educational Experiences of Students on the Spectrum Who Type to Communicate
Abstract
For autistic students who use alternative forms of communication, having access to institutional supports, curriculum, and social experiences are important factors in education. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of nonspeaking autistic students in the education setting. This study intends to explore three main areas for nonspeaking students in education settings: experiences with academic and institutional supports, experiences with accessing and engaging with the curriculum, and social experiences. Participants will initially be recruited from online social media groups, then snowball sampling will take place. There will be approximately 8-10 participants in total recruited for this study. This study will use qualitative interviews that will be conducted through open-ended questions. Interview questions will be provided ahead of time to accommodate for communication differences.
For autistic students who use alternative forms of communication, having access to institutional supports, curriculum, and social experiences are important factors in education. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of nonspeaking autistic students in the education setting. This study intends to explore three main areas for nonspeaking students in education settings: experiences with academic and institutional supports, experiences with accessing and engaging with the curriculum, and social experiences. Participants will initially be recruited from online social media groups, then snowball sampling will take place. There will be approximately 8-10 participants in total recruited for this study. This study will use qualitative interviews that will be conducted through open-ended questions. Interview questions will be provided ahead of time to accommodate for communication differences.
Student(s):
Katelyn Chapman
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Edlyn Pena
The Use of Neural Network Platforms for Chemical Characterization and Toxicity Prediction
Artificial neural networks (ANN’s) are computerized models that mimic the brain, in that they can be trained for a specific purpose, and eventually, learn on their own. Optimized models can detect trends and make predictions with remarkable accuracy and robustness. The purpose of this study was to create a neural network and test it for accuracy. In this study, an enhanced neural network platform was created in a MATLAB format, including assessing network functionality, nodes, and related model factors. Using a model data set, neural network functionality was tested, trained, and optimized. High correlation between model predicted and experimental results was observed, as well as low model error and discrepancies. This newly developed neural network was proven useful and accurate. We will begin to examine chemical data sets from the GC-MS analysis of urine and blood samples in future work. This ANN will be used to assess these correlations and predictive capabilities. In consideration of how the structure of phenolic related compounds correspond to the chemical toxicity properties, human health consequences will be evaluated, and thus help establish a stronger basis for further research.
Student(s):
Bianca Flores
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Grady Hanrahan
The Impact of a Defendant's Gender and Cluster B Personality Has on His/Her Sentencing by Juror
Every eligible American has a chance to be summoned for jury duty. Jurors will listen to a case and collectively come up with a decision on whether or not a defendant is guilty. An issue with this system is that many people have personal bias due to how they grew up, gender, race, and mental health status. In some cases, the defendant would plead insanity. I am going to look at the relationship between the defendants' presents of a cluster B personality disorder (eg., narcissism, borderline, anti-social, or histrionic) and jurors' decision making. I will also compare genders of the defendant in order to see if there is a difference in severity of sentencing between genders. Many people in society do not have much knowledge about mental illness and many have a negative stigma towards those who are diagnosed with mental illness; this creates a bias in the courtroom. This stigma should not strongly affect the sentencing of the defendant. If it is found to be statistically significant that defendants with a cluster B personality disorder, it is likely that more education should be available towards the United States public to be more familiar and understand each of these disorders.
Student(s):
Shyenne Francisco
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Amanda ElBassiouny
Economic and Psychological Disparities within Marginalized Communites
This research will explore in depth the experiences of those living within marginalized communities impacted by economic disparities to better understand how those disparities impact mental health and well-being among individuals, relationships and the community. In particular, participants will be asked to reflect on how economic disparities and access to resources such as educational accessibility, healthcare, businesses meeting daily living needs (e.g. grocery stores, financial support, exercise facilities) and social support within the community affect them and the community as a whole. The study will also aim to see how the effects of COVID-19 has impacted these communities in the past year. The cost of living, sustainability crisis, and the differing wage gaps across racial groups of color compared to their white counterparts which all contribute to the experiences of chronic anxiety and external stressors within people of color in these communities (Brower and Michener, 2020), will be taken into consideration. By using nationwide ethnographic surveys to gather participants’ perspectives, this mixed method study aims to provide a contextual analysis of the impact of these systematic disparities to better understand how to reduce the negative impacts of these discrepancies within marginalized communities now and in the future.
Student(s):
Josyua Gatison
Faculty Mentor:
Bethany Simmons
Identification and Characterization of Self-Cleaving Pistol Ribozymes
Background: Pistol ribozymes are a family of self-cleaving ribozymes, these ribozymes are capable of site-specific self-cleavage. The pistol ribozyme was first identified through the use of bioinformatics in Intergenic Regions of the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Self-cleaving ribozymes can be activated by the presence of a molecule such as Mg2+. Previous studies have found functional roles of these structures to be virus replication, RNA splicing, and gene expression in bacteria and some eukaryotic cells.
Goal: The purpose of this study is to confirm the presence of self-cleaving pistol ribozymes by in vitro characterization of human and Cellulophaga phage RNA sequences.
Research Plan: Using RNArobo, a bioinformatics tool, RNA sequences with similar structural features as previously annotated pistol ribozyme were found both in virus and human genomes. We will be conducting in vitro transcription of the RNA sequences and visualizing any ribozyme activity (cleavage) on a denaturing polyacrylamide gel. The RNAs will be labeled using fluorescein and analyzed on a denaturing polyacrylamide gel. Kinetics will be measured by collecting cleavage samples at different time points.
Expectations: Self-cleaving pistol ribozymes presence can be determined in gel electrophoresis. If results have two bands, the first band would be our full product, the second being our cleaved product. In our cleavage reactions, we should expect to see cleavage to become more apparent over time goes by and this should be observed with the ImageQuant software.
Goal: The purpose of this study is to confirm the presence of self-cleaving pistol ribozymes by in vitro characterization of human and Cellulophaga phage RNA sequences.
Research Plan: Using RNArobo, a bioinformatics tool, RNA sequences with similar structural features as previously annotated pistol ribozyme were found both in virus and human genomes. We will be conducting in vitro transcription of the RNA sequences and visualizing any ribozyme activity (cleavage) on a denaturing polyacrylamide gel. The RNAs will be labeled using fluorescein and analyzed on a denaturing polyacrylamide gel. Kinetics will be measured by collecting cleavage samples at different time points.
Expectations: Self-cleaving pistol ribozymes presence can be determined in gel electrophoresis. If results have two bands, the first band would be our full product, the second being our cleaved product. In our cleavage reactions, we should expect to see cleavage to become more apparent over time goes by and this should be observed with the ImageQuant software.
Student(s):
Miguel Gomez
Faculty Mentor:
Michael Abdelsayed
College Students’ Perceptions of the Police: Potential Influencing Factors
This study explores undergraduate students’ perspectives of law enforcement. Recent high-profile incidents involving the death of Black citizens has brought renewed attention to the abuses of power committed by law enforcement. This paper uses a random sample of undergraduates from a small private university in Southern California to examine how race and academic discipline correlate with students’ perceptions of the police. Results show that even though academic discipline does not appear to affect respondents’ perceptions of the police, students of color have significantly more negative perceptions of the police compared to white students. These findings expand the limited literature that has explored the influence of academic major in regard to undergraduate students’ perceptions of police, and adds to the significant body of research that demonstrates how race remains one of the most salient factors influencing public perception of law enforcement. The potential policy implications for this research are discussed and contextualized within contemporary events.
Student(s):
Christian Law
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Molly George
Am I Latino?: Erased Indigenous Identities in Southern California
The terms “Latino,” “Latinx,” or “Hispanic” are used to categorize people from Mexico, Central, or South America. These terms are used to complete official paperwork, in academia, and in life in general. However, using these colonizing terms erases indigenous identities. Indigenous communities continue to flourish and thrive in Mexico, despite Spanish colonization over 500 years ago. Most literature regarding indigenous populations of Mexico revolves around adult migrants, their demographics, and settlement/labor experiences. Of the literature that discusses second generation children of Mexican immigrant, there is very little scholarship on the narratives of the indigenous youth from Mexico and their identity development. This research explores second generation indigenous young adults and how they navigate their identity in colonized spaces, highlighting the narratives of young, female, indigenous college students and what being indigenous in Southern California means to them.
Student(s):
Xochitl Lopez
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Cynthia Duarte
Am I Latino?: Erased Indigenous Identities in Southern California
The terms “Latino,” “Latinx,” or “Hispanic” are used to categorize people from Mexico, Central, or South America. These terms are used to complete official paperwork, in academia, and in life in general. However, using these colonizing terms erases indigenous identities. Indigenous communities continue to flourish and thrive in Mexico, despite Spanish colonization over 500 years ago. Most literature regarding indigenous populations of Mexico revolves around adult migrants, their demographics, and settlement/labor experiences. Of the literature that discusses second generation children of Mexican immigrant, there is very little scholarship on the narratives of the indigenous youth from Mexico and their identity development. This research explores second generation indigenous young adults and how they navigate their identity in colonized spaces, highlighting the narratives of young, female, indigenous college students and what being indigenous in Southern California means to them.
Student(s):
Xochitl Lopez
Faculty Mentor:
Xochitl Lopez
The Land of Limited Opportunity: The Challenges LatinX Entrepreneurs Confront in California
Starting a new business venture is never easy. Based on existing research, frequently identified barriers to entrepreneurship are a lack of access to education, cultural factors, gender disparities, absence of resources, and a limited understanding of entrepreneurial finance. Minority groups are at a particular disadvantage compared to non-minority groups when pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities. The common thread is the lack of resources and support for minorities that hinders awareness, opportunity, and innovation from entrepreneurship. By not acknowledging the problem, minority entrepreneurs will continue to be challenged by California’s business landscape, which will cause businesses to underperform. This research will focus on a specific subset of minority groups, the LatinX population. It will examine the barriers and setbacks they endure as entrepreneurs in California and distinguish the differences in access to resources and support between Latinx entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs and other subsets. An additional goal is to identify key differences and similarities among male and female LatinX entrepreneurs in regards to their personal experience in following entreprenuership. My investigation will analyze extant literature and secondary data. The analysis of this data will identify key factors, such as gender or age, that influence entrepreneurship for Latinos/as. I will also conduct a series of in-depth interviews with LatinX entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs of different backgrounds and experiences and analyze them using qualitative methods. The data collected from these interviews will provide additional responses that will help formulate new hypotheses for future research.
Student(s):
Anastasia Martinez
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler
The effects of Nitrate Supplements on Cognitive Function of Young Adults
Brief Introduction: Understanding how our dietary and lifestyle choices affect our cognitive function can help students perform better in school and other aspects of their life. For these experiments we will be using beetroot juice because it has high levels of nitrate and has been used in previous experiments dealing with cognitive functions. We will also be collecting various measures of vascular function that may provide insight into potential changes in neurovascular coupling as a result of nitrate supplementation.
Purpose Statement:The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of short-term dietary nitrate supplementation on vascular and cognitive function in college-aged individuals.
Methods: Each participant will have their heart rate, blood pressure, weight, height, vascular function, VO2, and cognitive function recorded in the beginning of the experiment..Participants will take three different cognitive tests: a reaction test, the Stroop test, and the California Verbal learning test. Participants will then be provided with nitrate supplementation for 3-days, before baseline measures are repeated. Nutrient intake will be recorded throughout the three day intervention period.
Purpose Statement:The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of short-term dietary nitrate supplementation on vascular and cognitive function in college-aged individuals.
Methods: Each participant will have their heart rate, blood pressure, weight, height, vascular function, VO2, and cognitive function recorded in the beginning of the experiment..Participants will take three different cognitive tests: a reaction test, the Stroop test, and the California Verbal learning test. Participants will then be provided with nitrate supplementation for 3-days, before baseline measures are repeated. Nutrient intake will be recorded throughout the three day intervention period.
Student(s):
Hennessy Munoz
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Allan Knox
Black Reparations
Black Americans have faced racial injustices for hundreds of years. These injustices not only affect the social status of Black Americans but also their economic status. The purpose of this research is to argue that the United States is an unjust society because it has failed to adequately correct the injustices against Black people. The aim is also to provide a reasonable solution to righting years of wrongs through reparations. The questions that will be explored are: Are Black Americans owed or entitled to reparations, and if so, in what way will reparations be most effective in achieving justice? I will answer these questions by providing a presentation of John Rawls’s theory of justice and demonstrate how, in his view, the United States should be considered an unjust society. I also consider the debate between Tommie Shelby and Charles Mills on the use of Rawls to argue for racial justice. I argue that Black Americans are entitled to reparations in order for them to have justice for slavery, Jim Crow laws, Discrimination, etc., by describing the injustices of the past in relation to the present. I also respond to possible objections to reparations. Finally, I will offer some suggestions for reparations that I believe will be most effective in achieving justice. To summarize, this research finds that Black Americans are indeed owed reparations for the past and continued wrongdoings and that the best forms of reparations are government programs that focus on improving economic equality for Black Americans.
Student(s):
Lindy Ortiz
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Brian Collins
Functional Studies of Dessferoxiame D, an NIS Synthetase
The nonribosomal-peptide-synthetase-independent siderophore (NIS) synthetase family has been increasingly associated with virulence in bacterial species due to its key role in the synthesis of "stealth" siderophores. DesD, the identified model family member, was the first in the family to have its kinetic obtained using a label-free kinetics assay utilizing a single-injection isothermal-titration-calorimetry-based method. The kinetics in the family have been limited by solubility and reporter assays, however, a comparison of the kinetic constants was required to identify if the limitations affected the obtained kinetics. The kinetic, obtained using three different methods, of five members of the family were compared. The three methods compared are the hydroxylamine assay, the continuous coupled ATP assay and the label free ITC assay. We also compared the kinetics based on the oligomerization and subtypes of the proteins to see if there was a correlation between the two. No correlation was found between the kinetics and oligomerization and or subtype, however, all ranges of kinetics were fairly wide. Furthermore, there is a need for a standardized method to obtain kinetics and the label-free kinetics assay is the best suited kinetic assay as it does not have limitations compared to its counterparts.
Student(s):
Estrella Palacios
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Katherine Hoffmann
The Moral Constraints of Political Violence
Within the past year, the United States has been met with a sudden rise in violent political demonstrations. Many are often quick to dismiss or condemn these acts of violence, claiming that “violence is never the answer.” I believe this statement to be an egregious oversimplification of the matter. Inspired by John Rawls’ “Definition of Civil Disobedience” and the Just War Theories, this paper will explore the complexities of the role of violence in political demonstrations. I will argue that for violent political demonstrations to be justified, they must publicly address a legitimate grievance, seek to redress deficits in law and policy, and follow the criteria for defense-harm, including necessity, proportionality, and success. This paper is not meant to provide people with the ability to demonstrate violently; it is meant to limit the reasons for why and when it is justifiable to engage in the use of political violence. I also suggest that violent demonstrations are not reactionary when done correctly/morally. They are strategies utilized as a last resort to create evolution and remedy grievances. If all criteria are met, the demonstration though less than ideal, will warrant justification. Any condemnation done prior to understanding the motivations of these justified demonstrations can lead to further injustice through complicity.
Student(s):
Jesus Raya
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Brian Collins
Emotional and Mental Health Support for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum During and After The Diagnosis
Prevalence rates for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have grown at an extensive rate over the last few decades in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ASD is the fastest growing developmental disorder with currently 1 in 54 children diagnosed with ASD. Research has shown that parents of children with ASD often experience higher levels of parenting stress, anxiety, and depression. Additional research suggests that having emotional support can help parents manage the extra stressors their families may face. This study aims to investigate the experience of parents when they receive an ASD diagnosis for their child. The sample will include parents of children diagnosed with ASD. Participants will complete a mixed methods online survey regarding their emotional and personal experience during the diagnosis of their child, what supports and resources were communicated to them, and whether they have found these parental supports helpful. The results of this study will help medical and mental health practitioners improve the process of communicating with parents and supporting them during the diagnostic process. Limitations of this study and areas for future research will also be discussed.
Student(s):
Steve Sanchez
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Jodie Kocur
From Obama to Biden: Latinx writers become a voice for their silenced community
The Latinx community is the fastest-growing minority group in the United States; nevertheless, policies have not always served them well in recent years. The issues have been reported from various sources outside of the Latinx community; yet, the community's responses are often dismissed or go unnoticed. Latinx writers are crucial for this discussion because they offer relevant insights into how these policies impact their community. Latinx writers have been discussing issues from Obama's mass deportation and Trump's detention centers to, now, Biden's immigrant support. Given the Latinx community's struggles, progress, lived experiences, and interpretation of policies affecting their communities will be the study's primary focus, the method used in this study is the dependent and independent model. This method will be used to examine U.S. policies through the writing and voices within the Latinx. In this study, the independent variable, which is the cause, will be the immigration policies and laws implemented during the Obama, Trump, and Biden presidencies. The dependent variable, which is the effect, will be Latinx writers' interpretation of said policies and laws. This study aims to inform people of the harm policies can create for marginalized groups and show why it is essential to stay vigilant even during peace periods.
Student(s):
Bryan Sanchez Cuevas
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Laverene Seales
A Proposal to Discover Whether Papua New Guinean Sacred Art Objects Utilize Specific Pigments
An important component of many studies of anthropology and conservation of art has been to investigate pigment classification through X-ray fluorescence (XRF). For the Papua New Guinean tribes of the East Sepik region, pigments are used to decorate ancestor figures used in sacred ceremonies, but similar wood sculptures are also used for non-sacred purposes. We will use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to investigate the possible difference in pigments used on our collection of figures. If X-ray fluorescence is inconclusive due to ochre-based, rather than metal-based pigments, we will follow-up with Infrared analysis (IR) to further identify ochre pigments. Through these chemical studies, we will establish whether the pigments themselves are associated with sacredness. Future researchers might benefit from utilizing Raman Spectroscopy in order to further identify materials within Papua New Guinean art.
Student(s):
Sloan Sanders
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Katherine Hoffmann and Rachel Schmid
The Importance of Social Support: Mental Resilience of Children During Global Adversity
COVID-19’s unexpected arrival has forced society to change dramatically, thus impacting children worldwide. Social systems such as home and community environment, constructive educational centers, positive mentorship, participation in extracurricular activities, and socialization with same-age peers are crucial protective factors to help a child’s resilience in challenging events. This study intends to explore how the pandemic has impacted social time with same-aged peers and their relationship with their teacher for children ages 5-10. Participants will include parents of children ages 5-10 who will complete an online survey to report on the following: time their child has spent with same-aged peers, quality of their child’s relationship with their teacher, and whether these have changed since the pandemic. Parents will also complete the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to evaluate their child’s general mental health, as well as the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) to measure their child’s positive and negative emotions. It is hypothesized that both social time and student-teacher relationship will be negatively correlated with mental health difficulties and negative emotion. In addition, we hypothesize that student-teacher relationship strength will moderate the correlation between social time and student mental health, with social time predicting mental health more strongly for students without a strong student-teacher relationship. Limitations of the study and areas for future research will also be discussed.
Keywords: Child development, COVID-19, resilience, social connections, protective factors
Keywords: Child development, COVID-19, resilience, social connections, protective factors
Student(s):
Lena Shiblak
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Jodie Kocur
Theoretical and Experimental Examination of Phenolic-Related Metabolic Biotransformation Byproducts
Phenolic-related compounds that can be found in industrial products such as paints or pesticides are released into the environment when using and likely will affect the health of those who are exposed as a result. In this study, model phenolic compounds were examined, and nine samples were used as standards to analyze the theoretical biotransformation pathways via cytochrome P450 catalyzed reactions. As a result, the theoretical biotransformation pathway examination via cytochrome P450 gave products that were characteristic of ketones and alcohol families. Experimentally, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) will be used to characterize and quantity both reactive and non-reactive parent compounds and associated metabolic species. This two-level examination will aid in assessing the impact of phenolic exposure on human health and prove valuable in developing analytical methods of detection and characterization.
Student(s):
Somanea Tranin
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Grady Hanrahan
Correlational Study of The Relationship Between Social Media Usage and Self-esteem & Depression in Women
Social Media (SM) use in adults and children has increased in The United States at an alarming rate and yet it still remains uncertain its relationship with mental health. Methods: This study explored the association between social media usage in women and self esteem to see if there is a correlation between these two variables. A quantitative correlational research design was used as well as the Rosenberg self esteem scale to assess the representative sample of 200 participants ages 18-25 from all over The United States. The association between depression and social media usage was tested as well by using The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale has been used greatly to quantify depression. The participants were gathered via Amazon Turk and were given monetary compensation for their honest participation and time.
Student(s):
Pia Valtierra
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Jennifer Twyford
A Proposed Study on the Correlation between Social Media Use and Psychological Effects on Women
The use of social media (SM) refers to interactive technological applications or networks allowing users to quickly communicate content. In the United States SM has increased at a vast rate yet, the lasting psychological effects due to social media use is uncertain. This study explores the association between social media usage in relation to self esteem and depression. Utilizing a quantitative correlational research design along with the Rosenberg self esteem scale we will assess a sample of 200 participants, ages 18-25 throughout the United States. The participants will be recruited via Amazon Turk and given monetary compensation for their honest participation and time. To further test the association between social media and the psyche, depression will be tested using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale.
Student(s):
Pia Valtierra
Faculty Mentor:
Dr. Jennifer Twyford
Involvement in AP Classes and Burnout in College
Recent work has begun to investigate burnout experienced by students. Burnout is defined by three major dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism about the value of one’s work, and a feeling of inadequacy. Results of qualitative research, such as interviews and focus groups, have found that high-stakes tests like Advanced Placement (AP) tests can be a major source of stress for high school students. Moreover, studies have also found inverse correlations between burnout and measures of cognitive function and high school/college GPA. This study seeks to add to previous work regarding burnout in students’ college academic experiences. The hypotheses of this study are that: 1) students who took AP classes will have higher burnout scores in college than non-AP students, 2) burnout in college will be positively correlated with the number of AP classes and 3) level of burnout will correlate negatively with college GPA. High school graduates from the United States between ages 18 and 26 (n = 258) completed an online survey. Participants reported the number of AP classes that they had taken and their college GPA, and completed the self-report School Burnout Index. Students that took AP classes in high school were not found to have higher levels of burnout in college, and the number of AP courses did not relate to burnout. Burnout scores were, however, found to be negatively correlated with college GPA. Future research should aim to examine a moderation model to investigate whether taking AP courses predicts higher burnout for certain groups of students.
Student(s):
Kiah Vastine
Faculty Mentor:
Jodie Kocur