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M AY 2, 2014 TA R B L E A R E N A 2:3 0 – 5 p.m.

I am pleased to welcome you to Carthageâ€™s Celebration of Scholars. The projects on display represent some of the best work of our students and faculty in the arts, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. This event brings us together in a single place to recognize and share the work of the College community. It also allows us the opportunity to talk about the work we do here at the College. These displays of student research, scholarship, and creativity represent thousands of hours spent in research, studio work, practice, and lab work. In each case, this labor led students to a deeper understanding of their subjects because they were engaged in the messy process of research and creativity. They struggled to find solutions to problems that were not apparent and could not be found by looking in the back of the book. Because of their perseverance and attention to their problems, we can learn from them today. I encourage you to ask them about the products of their work, but especially about the process they used to accomplish it. The Carthage faculty is an outstanding group of teacher-scholars who present work in scholarly journals, at conferences, and exhibitions. The academic communities in their disciplines know them well; however, we stop and pause at their work too seldom. As Provost, I have the advantage of visiting numerous presentations of senior theses and other student work. I also have the opportunity to learn firsthand of the many accomplishments of the faculty members. Unless we put them out for others to see, they languish quietly in the background, often unnoticed. Today is the day we put them on display for us all to engage with and enjoy. I hope you take as much pleasure in learning about the work going on at the College as I do. An event like this happens because we have talented students and faculty who are willing to share their work, and I thank and congratulate them for their participation today. We also owe deep thanks to the people who have worked very hard to make this event happen from behind the scenes. My deepest thanks go to the Faculty Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Committee (Dennis Munk, Laura Huaracha, Deborah Tobiason, Rick Meier, Brent McClintock, Joe Wall, and Brian Schwartz), the Carthage communications staff, and the operations staff. Once again, I welcome you to the Celebration of Scholars.

Julio C. Rivera, Jr. Provost

May 2, 2014 2:30-5 p.m. Poster Exhibition

3-3:30 p.m. Awards Ceremony Intern of the Year Western Heritage Scholarship Global Heritage Prize Research and Creativity Award

Faculty Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Committee Laura Huaracha

Brian Schwartz

Rick Meier

Deborah Tobiason

Brent McClintock

Joe Wall

Dennis Munk

Celebration of Scholars

Monitoring Chloride Concentrations in the Pike River and Pike Creek Elizabeth Allen, Sophomore

Carthage has partnered with Root-Pike-WIN on the Pike River Watershed-Based Plan. As the only research institution in the watershed contributing chloride data, this research will directly aid in setting outcomes to improve the water quality of the Pike River watershed in the years to come.

Christine Blaine

Morphological and Genomic Characterization and Analysis of Mycobacteriophages with Focus on a Cluster F1 Phage

Major: Biology and Neuroscience Hometown: Appleton, WI Faculty Sponsor: Christine Blaine

Department: Natural Science

Erika Alvarado, Freshman Major: Biology Hometown: Waukegan, IL Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Mitch Ducett, Junior

Major: Chemistry Hometown: Mukwonago, WI Faculty Sponsor: Christine Blaine

Nicholas Bussian, Freshman Major: Biology Hometown: Lena, IL Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Morgan Forst, Freshman Major: Chemistry Hometown: Berwyn, IL Faculty Sponsor: Christine Blaine

Samuel DeCero, Freshman Major: Biology Hometown: Dyer, IN Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Jackie Knightly, Junior

Major: Chemistry Hometown: Chicago, IL Faculty Sponsor: Christine Blaine

The use of road salt to melt ice by cities, businesses and citizens during winter months, and the subsequent water runoff during the spring, has demonstrated negative effects on aquatic ecosystems. Since Fall of 2007, the chloride ion concentration of the Pike River flowing through Kenosha and Racine into Lake Michigan has been quantified. The Pike Creek was added to the research project in Spring 2012. Previous data suggests the increase in chloride concentration during the spring period is due to the addition of road salt during the winter. Weekly water samples were collected from designated sites on the Pike River and Pike Creek and chloride concentrations were measured with a Chloride Selective Electrode. The pH and specific conductivity of each sample were also measured. Comparison of the chloride data from Fall 2013 to March 2014 has shown the chloride concentration increased an average of 344.6 Âą 14.5 ppm in the Pike River and 214.4Âą 14.5 ppm in the Pike Creek. This large jump in chloride concentration caused many of the sites to exceed the chronic chloride level of 230 ppm, set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Since Fall 2012,

Leonard Ferdman, Freshman Major: Biology Hometown: Beverly Hills, CA Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Jessica Kellerstrass, Freshman Major: Biology Hometown: Elmhurst, IL Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Laura Krings, Freshman

Major: Biology Hometown: Nekoosa, WI Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Rachel Murray, Freshman

Major: Biology Hometown: Elgin, IL Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Emma Patschorke, Freshman Major: Spanish and Biology Hometown: Ballwin, MO Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

relative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a pathogen that causes a potentially lethal disease. A series of processes was used to purify bacteriophages and analyze their characteristics. These processes included enrichment, multiple titer assays, serial dilutions, electron microscopy, DNA extraction, and restriction analysis. A total of nine phages were isolated and two were selected for sequencing: mycobacteriophage Cerasum, a temperate, cluster FI phage, and mycobacteriophage GreaseLightnin, a lytic, cluster P phage. Cerasumâ€™s genome is currently being annotated to provide putative functions for each gene. This potential understanding of the phage lifestyle and genome may allow scientists to engineer and utilize phage for the development of new treatments that target and kill bacteria with antibiotic immunity. Funding source: HHMI Science Education Alliance

Emily Santucci, Freshman Major: Biology Hometown: Schaumburg, IL Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

It is Never Too Late: The Importance of Branding in the Nonprofit Sector Rebecca Baader, Senior

Kayla Spears, Freshman

Major: Biology Hometown: Chicago, IL Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Richard Stauffer, Freshman Major: Biology Hometown: Round Lake, IL Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Taylor Tibbs, Freshman

Major: German and Biology Hometown: Cicero, IN Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Zach Zagra, Freshman

Major: Neuroscience Hometown: Kenosha, WI Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Major: Marketing, Public Relations, and Communication Hometown: Durand, WI Faculty Sponsor: Jan Owens

Branding has allowed many for-profit companies to establish a place in the minds of the consumers. This has resulted in greater brand loyalty, greater market share, and increased profits. However, in the nonprofit sector, branding has been minimally used. The concept of branding creates a great opportunity for an organization to provide consumers with a clearer picture of what the organization is all about, and creates a greater support base for the organization. This research describes a plan for nonprofit organizations to strengthen their brand image and positioning. It describes the foundations of for-profit branding, and analyzes nonprofit companies that have applied branding successfully to their organizations. Findings were gathered from examining secondary research that included practitioner and academic articles, and an analysis of nonprofit branding tactics in various media, e.g. websites and direct marketing. The outcome of this research suggests a plan and key issues that nonprofits could follow to develop a strong brand image and positioning.

In the fall of 2013, research was carried out on bacteriophages, or viruses that infect bacterial hosts and hijack their cellular machinery in order to replicate. Scientists are interested in bacteriophages because they have beneficial roles in the areas of genetics, therapeutics, and epidemiology. Specifically, mycobacteriophages were isolated that infect Mycobacterium smegmatis, a nonpathogenic

Celebration of Scholars

Soil Conservation Applications in an Agricultural Community in Rural Guatemala Carly Barker, Junior

Major: Environmental Science Hometown: Marshfield, WI Faculty Sponsor: Tracy Gartner

In recent years there have been increasing concerns surrounding the inherent unsustainable nature of many agricultural practices. Agricultural sustainability is particularly important to study in areas of Latin America, as there are many agriculturally driven environmental issues such as deforestation, soil degradation and erosion, and chemical pollution. The objective of this study was to conduct soil testing and record observations regarding different agricultural practices in the rural community of Nuevo Horizonte, Guatemala, to assess levels of sustainability in the community and attempt to develop practices that maximize agricultural output while minimizing environmental damage. The agriculturally based community has about 450 members and each family has about a one acre plot of land referred to as a â€œmilpaâ€?, where samples were taken in the summer of 2013 in order to determine the levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium, and potassium in the soil. Community members were interviewed in order to assess their knowledge and attitudes regarding different agricultural practices. Responses from the interviews were compared with results from the soil analyses in order to identify any correlation between the attempt to employ more organic agricultural practices, the level of nutrients in the soil, and the overall agricultural yield for different farmers.

Changes in Traditional Gender Role Views Over Time Patrick Barry, Senior

Major: Social Science Hometown: Skokie, IL Faculty Sponsor: Sandra Bisciglia

The research explores the changes in traditional views of gender roles, drawing upon empirical data and theory on gender differences to explain not only the differences that have existed, but monitor their changes and explain why. General social survey method has been used to compile data relevant to gender role differences. The theoretical framework adopted attempts to explain why this phenomenon has occurred and offers a possible perspective on future developments

Racine School Voucher Program Lindsey Bernhardt, Senior Major: History and Social Science Hometown: Kenosha, WI Faculty Sponsor: Karin Sconzert

This research project was developed as a SURE project in the Education Division. It was developed to examine the Racine school voucher system to determine why this program was expanded from its original implementation in Milwaukee. This research is unique because although there is research on the Milwaukee voucher system, there is not yet any research on the Racine voucher system and why it is being expanded from Milwaukee. The project involved analysis of research conducted with articles and laws put in place to expand the voucher system. This research project was implemented throughout the summer through the SURE program by interviewing local politicians and examining how the program was developing. The conclusion that was that this voucher program still has many flaws and does not yet accommodate programs such as special education. The results are still ongoing and will be continued on another summer SURE project. Funding source: SURE

Modeling and the Acquisition of an Athletic Skill Anderson Boatman, Senior Major: Psychology Hometown: Poplar Grove, IL Faculty Sponsor: Ingrid Tiegel

How do people learn skills, more specifically athletic skills? Looking closely at Banduraâ€™s Social Cognitive Theory, one can find the answer provided by observational learning. This study aimed to identify if contextual differences of an expert model had an effect on the acquisition of an athletic skill of shooting a free-throw. A review of the relevant literature was conducted to determine if modeling was an effective form of learning skills, including athletic skills. Lack of research into differences of context was the basis for the experiment that followed. The experiment looked at 34 (16 male. 18 female) students at Carthage in learning athletic skills. A baseline was conducted to determine the average number of freethrows the participants could successfully make out of twenty. The participant then either watched a live or a video expert model demonstrate proper free-throw shooting technique. The results of this experiment indicated that context did not appear to affect the ability to learn how to shoot a free-throw, but the results and previous research raise questions about the duration of time learning from a model, as a factor, to acquire athletic skills.

The Effectiveness of PBIS in an Urban Middle School Andria Bowlsby, Junior

Major: English Hometown: Belleville, IL Faculty Sponsor: Karin Sconzert

D’Monti Fedele, Senior

Major: English Hometown: Berwyn, IL Faculty Sponsor: Karin Sconzert

Desiree Halonen, Junior

Major: Mathematics Hometown: Wisconsin Rapids, WI Faculty Sponsor: Karin Sconzert

Sumana Manda, Junior

Major: History Hometown: Racine, WI Faculty Sponsor: Karin Sconzert

The purpose of this study was to study the effectiveness of a Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support System (PBIS) at Washington Middle School. As the Kenosha Unified School Districts has been adopting PBIS systems, it is crucial to know how students respond to the system and the system’s general effectiveness. By observing classrooms during regular school hours, the presenters were able to observe the presence of the PBIS system in a more general way. By interviewing a selection of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, more in-depth information about student opinions of the system was acquired. The interviews took place in two parts: a questionnaire which students filled out anonymously, and a question and answer session between the presenters and the Washington Middle School students. Overall, students felt it was an inconsistent system that, if structured better, would be more effective. As currently structured, PBIS is a more effective system for sixth graders than eighth graders.

Acid Sensing in Microglia Signals Panic via Inflammation Kyle Brotkowski, Senior

Major: Neuroscience and Psychology Hometown: Roscoe, IL Faculty Sponsor: Penny Seymoure

Panic Disorder (PD) is a common anxiety disorder characterized by sudden, unpredictable, and intense episodes of fear, autonomic, and respiratory responses. In the early stages of PD, patients generally experience untriggered panic attacks that eventually develop into phobic avoidance behaviors. The underlying mechanisms of these panic attacks are unknown, though studies suggest a perceived threat to homeostasis may act as a primary trigger. One such homeostatic threat in panic-vulnerable individuals is acidosis, commonly induced via CO2-inhalation. This experiment investigates the acid-sensing G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) T-cell death-associated gene 8 (TDAG8) in panic pathophysiology. Using TDAG8 KO mice, we investigated the role of interleukin1β (IL-1β) in panic-associated fear response. We hypothesized that microglial activation and IL-1β are relevant for translating acidosis to fear. Post-behavioral immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were used to acquire 3-dimensional images of microglia in the circumventricular organs (CVOs) of the mouse brain. We concluded IL-1β is sufficient to generate significant fear in the absence of CO2, acidosis, and the acid sensor TDAG8. Additionally, we found activated microglial cells in the CVOs can be distinguished from inactive microglia by examining the shape, volume of the cell body, length of projections, and number of branching projections. Further research will utilize IL-1β antagonists in WT mice to extinguish fear response. They may be important for the treatment of PD in addition to TDAG8 and antiinflammatory microglial blockers. Funding source: NIH grant R01 MH093362 (Dr. Renu Sah)

The Effect of Idealized Media Images on Body Dissatisfaction in a Nonclinical Population Lauren Burleson, Senior Major: Psychology and Sociology Hometown: Brookfield, WI Faculty Sponsor: Robert Maleske

Social science research has consistently supported the idea that body dissatisfaction occurs due to exposure to the mass media (Groesz, Levine, & Murnen, 2002). However, there is a lack of research devoted to studying the different effects the media has on males and females. Therefore, within this thesis, differences in the impact of idealized media images on individuals within

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a nonclinical population of males and females were measured through the utilization of the Body Satisfaction Scale (BSS), Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Scale (SATAQ-3), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and Drive for Muscularity Scale (DFMS). Overall, 191 Carthage students were surveyed. Three hypotheses were derived from the compilation of the sociocultural, objectification, and social comparison theories. First, it was predicted that females would have statistically higher mean body dissatisfaction scores, pressure, internalization, and information subscale scores than males. Second, a significant positive correlation was expected to be found between body dissatisfaction score and behavior score for females, but not for males. Third, in regard to engagement in negative weight management behaviors, it was anticipated that males would report using behaviors characterized by a “drive for muscularity,” while women would report using behaviors that would help them lose the most weight in a short amount of time. All of the hypotheses were confirmed through independent sample t-tests and Pearson-r correlations.

Filling in the Blank: Machismo and Homosexuality in Junot Diaz’s “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” Sage Calhoun, Senior

Major: English and Spanish Hometown: Plymouth, WI Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Smiley

“The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Díaz entertains a wide variety of themes through various characters primarily of a Dominican background. The focal character is an overweight outcast named Oscar de León, a young man struggling to meet the unspoken rules of Dominican masculinity throughout his life. His college roommate, Yunior de Las Casas, as well as a majority of the men described over the course of the novel, seem to more easily fit into this prevalent aspect of Dominican-American culture by demonstrating machismo through brutish power as well as heteronormative, chauvinistic ideals of relationships and sexuality, among other elements. However, Yunior as the narrator of the novel often accidentally reveals private moments of nerdiness and affection toward Oscar to the reader that remain hidden from the novel’s other characters. This essay thus argues that because of Yunior’s intimate familiarity with the consequences of being labeled an Other, Yunior uses hyper-masculinity as a cloak to hide not only his own inner nerd but his romantic feelings for Oscar, all in order to blend into the machismo of Dominican-American culture. Due to the novel’s relatively recent publication date (2007), little has been written on the novel and even less has been written analyzing the sexuality of male characters. As such, this essay’s themes and conclusions are largely original, though based in current related scholarship.

Inferring Lightning Channel Properties from Preliminary Breakdown Pulse Shapes Brant Carlson

Department: Natural Science

Despite centuries of study, many details of the behavior of lightning remain unexplained. In particular, how lightning discharges initiate in the cloud and extend throughout the cloud or to ground is poorly understood. One approach to understanding such processes is to simulate proposed mechanisms and compare the simulation results to observations. Here, simulations of stepwise lightning channel extension and the resulting electromagnetic waves are compared to observations from the Huntsville Alabama Marx Meter Array (HAMMA). By varying physical properties of the lightning channel until simulation results closely resemble observations, we can determine plausible values for the physical properties of the lightning channel just after initiation. In particular, the effective specific heat capacity, channel charge distribution, and step length are constrained. Heat capacity, for example, is determined to be of order 2 J/K/m. Complete results and comparisons with several representative signals suggest these results are reasonably self-consistent and that further comparison between model results and observed electromagnetic wave signals may help further constrain our understanding of lightning channel behavior. Funding source: DARPA NIMBUS program, Birkeland Center for Space Science

Schedules and Tutors and Chi Squares — Oh My! A Statistical Analysis of Carthage’s Brainard Writing Center Data Cami Christopulos, Sophomore Major: Marketing and Finance Hometown: Vernon Hills, IL Faculty Sponsor: Allen Klingenberg

The Brainard Writing Center strives to better its practices in terms of scheduling tutors, assisting with certain academic divisions, and addressing key writing issues. In working closely with the online scheduling system for the Center, this researcher noticed issues in tutor scheduling that resulted in less availability for clients to use the organization’s resources. There was limited tutor knowledge in regard to discerning which academic divisions were most represented in clients’ papers. Finally, the tutors desired to learn which writing issues were most discussed in sessions so that they could best prepare to address those issues with future cliental. This researcher aspired to further investigate these topics in order to advance the availability and preparedness of the Center’s tutors.

The research conducted addresses these items by analyzing the Brainard Writing Center data over the past three years with statistical analysis tools, including the chi-square test, KruskalWallis test, and Test of Hypothesis, One Proportion. The results of this research conclude the need to modify the centerâ€™s schedule, increase tutor training on the subject matter of the Western Heritage class, and keep tutors up to date in terms of sentence level concern writing issues. The results have already impacted the scheduling in the Center, as the director of the Writing Center has allocated three tutors to work during the hours of 12pm-4pm for the Spring 2014 semester.

Isolation and Characterization of Firehouse51, a Novel Mycobacteriophage Alexander Clark, Freshman Major: Biology Hometown: Salem, WI Faculty Sponsor: Deanna Byrnes

Gabriella Lay, Freshman Major: Neuroscience Hometown: Poplar Grove, IL Faculty Sponsor: Deanna Byrnes

Theresa Regetz, Freshman Major: Psychology Hometown: Lyndhurst, NJ Faculty Sponsor: Deanna Byrnes

Christopher Seocanac, Freshman Major: Biology Hometown: Hartland, WI Faculty Sponsor: Deanna Byrnes

Daniel Setzke, Freshman Kendall Craig, Freshman Major: Mathematics Hometown: Oswego, IL Faculty Sponsor: Deanna Byrnes

Major: Biology Hometown: Glen Ellyn, IL Faculty Sponsor: Deanna Byrnes

Emily Zumbragel, Freshman Allyssa Daehn, Freshman Major: Biology Hometown: Elkhorn, WI Faculty Sponsor: Deanna Byrnes

Matthew Frisque, Freshman Major: Biology Hometown: Cottage Grove, WI Faculty Sponsor: Deanna Byrnes

Taylor Kundert, Freshman Major: Biology Hometown: Lake Geneva, WI Faculty Sponsor: Deanna Byrnes

Major: Biology Hometown: Cherry Valley, IL Faculty Sponsor: Deanna Byrnes

A bacteriophage is a virus that replicates within a bacterial host cell. They are the most numerous and most diverse biological entity in the biosphere with approximately 1031 biological particles. Mycobacteriophages are viruses that replicate through mycobacterial hosts. Phage can be used to treat antibiotic resistant diseases because they only infect their specific host bacterial cells and lyse them. Soil samples were extracted from various locations around the Carthage campus, and seven individual phage types were isolated, revealing two temperate and five lytic phages. Phage are either lytic, immediately lysing bacterial cell hosts, or temperate, in which case the phage genome lies temporarily dormant within the bacteria cell. Isolated phages were examined using electron microscopy, DNA was extracted, and analyzed using restriction enzymes. Two phage genomes were sequenced. Firehouse51 is currently being annotated (identification of genes and putative proteins) and was determined to be a member of the F1 cluster. The genome annotation process recognizes similarities between the DNA of Firehouse51 and other mycobacteriophage genomes, adding to our knowledge regarding relationships among phages. Information obtained from the isolation, characterization, and annotation of Firehouse51 will contribute to a national database of mycobacteriophage genomes. This research will allow us to compare similar phages

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and understand how they interact with their mycobacterial host, with the goal to use this information to treat diseases such as tuberculosis. Funding source: SEA Phages (HHMI)

Language, Conventions, and Stage Directions: Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting For Godot’ Elizabeth Coats, Senior Major: English and Theatre Hometown: McHenry, IL Faculty Sponsor: Alyson Kiesel

Human beings turn language inside out in order to grasp how to use it to effectively communicate with one another. “Waiting For Godot” shows the reader the imperfectness of our use of language. This paper questions the efficiency of the way language is characteristically used by humans and shows Beckett’s attempt to destabilize our use of language. He reveals how language often fails to achieve the desires humans have for it. Through its destabilization, the play proves that language cannot be used as a basis for truth, and proves that humans have limited authority over it. To illustrate this I looked to Friedrich Nietzsche and Ferdinand de Saussure for their ideas about the practice of human language and its inaccuracies. I conducted close readings of several passages of the play, first demonstrating how language is typically used by humans, and then showing how Beckett destabilizes this use of language, revealing its flaws. The use of stage directions will be used to demonstrate language’s inability to be a grounding for truth. This challenged authority over language is shown in my application of the play as literature and the play as performance, proving that no matter what medium is used to transmit the language it can never be perfectly within the control of the humans who use it.

Something About Those People — A J-Term in The Dominican Republic Nick Cottrell, Sophomore Major: Public Relations Hometown: Lemont, IL Faculty Sponsor: Kari Duffy

During the second semester of 2012-2013, a group of Carthage students met with Professors Paul Chilsen, and Matthew Borden, to begin planning the second part of a series of filming expeditions to the Caribbean. Fifteen students and 3 professors would make up the team that would be heading to the Dominican Republic to film the culture of the nation for 15 days in January 2014.

For the first 3 days, the team met on campus and learned the basics of Final Cut Pro (our film production software), learned to manage the cameras, and learned proper documenting procedure so that post-filming would be much easier to manage. Once on location, we traveled to 6 cities and did everything from experiencing new foods to swimming in waterfalls and venturing in weekend markets. We filmed everything so we all had the perfect footage we needed. Upon returning to campus, we had 4 days to put together our short films in which we presented to each other, and uploaded to social media sites to share our experience. The experience helped me develop my Spanish speaking skills and helped the entire class further explore our desires of travel, international communication, and for most, the chance to use film as a medium to develop another professional life skill in media arts. As I said in the film, my personal journey helped me realize, “The more I see, the less I know.”

The Effects of Foam Rolling on the Flexibility of the Lower Extremity Kaylee Craigo, Junior

Major: Athletic Training Hometown: Monroe, WI Faculty Sponsor: Cynthia Allen

Foam rolling is a type of self-myofascial release that can dramatically increase range of motion by re-establishing proper blood flow and function. Myofascial releases are a way to break up adhesions and scar tissue, decrease trigger points, and lengthen muscles. This experiment tested six healthy, active individuals not currently participating in a varsity sport. The researchers expected to find an increase in flexibility after foam rolling. Each individual was tested using the Thomas test and had the degrees of hip and knee flexion measured using a goniometer as well as a sit and reach test measuring hamstring flexibility. The subjects then used a 6-inch high-density plain foam roller for 30 seconds per muscle (including the piriformis, hamstrings, quadriceps and illiotibial band). The subjects were then immediately retested. The data supported the hypothesis that flexibility would increase with foam rolling. Subjects increased in the sit and reach test by an average of 1.85 inches. The average knee flexion increased by 1.08 degree and the average hip flexion increased by 2.41 degrees. These findings are significant for all individuals with muscle soreness and individuals with poor flexibility. Only 30 seconds of foam rolling may improve scores by a significant amount and lead to decreased pain, risk of injury, and increased muscle flexibility and function.

Dynamic vs Static Stretching in the Improvement of Active Range of Motion William Decraene, Junior Major: Athletic Training Hometown: Lisle, IL Faculty Sponsor: Cynthia Allen

Ashley Kudla, Senior

Major: Athletic Training Hometown: Barrington, IL Faculty Sponsor: Cynthia Allen

Africa. Main problems found include: a rise in teen pregnancy, sanitation hazards, and lack of education on mental illness. These problems were determined through daily footwork of walking from village to village and interacting with community members. I completed a Community Assessment Survey which highlighted the above problems as key issues affecting the communities. During this experience I wrote weekly logs for my professor on what I accomplished that week and wrote in a personal journal every day to reflect and capture all the moments. The purpose of my poster will be to inform others on both the hardships and strengths of these villagers and to educate people of projects and educational talks that I completed. In addition I will also discuss the awareness I gained from living with limited access to clean water, power and becoming the minority. I gained important insights on not imposing my American values and beliefs on the communities I worked with. Not only do I have a deeper understanding of this culture, but also a deeper appreciation to hold all cultures and their beliefs in high esteem.

Brandi Peters, Senior

Major: Athletic Training Hometown: Clifton, IL Faculty Sponsor: Cynthia Allen

Poor flexibility has been often cited as a factor in athletic related injuries to the lower extremities. Flexibility is defined as the measure of range of motion (ROM) around a joint or series of joints. The goal of this experiment was to determine whether static or dynamic stretching is more effective in increasing active ROM (AROM) – the ROM of a joint as it is consciously moved by the individual. By actively moving in or out of a stretched position, dynamic stretching uses the momentum of a moving body or limb in an attempt to force it beyond its normal range of motion. In contrast, static stretching is slow or passive stretching held for 20-30 seconds. Ten subjects were randomly placed into one of two groups: static or dynamic. Flexion/ extension of the hip and knee and dorsiflexion/ plantar flexion of the ankle were measured using a goniometer. Baseline measurements were established for each participant. Participants then performed the assigned stretch routine for 12 minutes. AROM measurements were retaken immediately following the assigned routines. Results showed that dynamic stretching produced a greater average increase of AROM of the hip by 15.8°, 5.4° in the knee, and 19° in the ankle. Therefore, we conclude that by engaging in dynamic stretching, individuals may decrease their risk of lower extremity injury.

Practicing Social Work in Rural Ghana Kathryn Denton, Senior Major: Social Work Hometown: Greenwood, IN Faculty Sponsor: Danielle Geary

While completing 500 hours of field work for my BSW, I was able to discover the major problems that were affecting rural villages in Ghana,

Long Term Study of Invasive Aquatic and Terrestrial Species in Kenosha County, Wisconsin Jennifer Dorman, Junior Major: Environmental Science, Geography and Earth Science Hometown: Carol Stream, IL Faculty Sponsor: Tracy Gartner

Alex Lemmer , Senior

Major: Environmental Science Hometown: Mukwonago, WI Faculty Sponsor: Tracy Gartner

Beth Klein , Sophomore Major: Biology Hometown: Sheboygan, WI Faculty Sponsor: Tracy Gartner

The Invasive Species Working Group (ISWG) monitors aquatic and terrestrial invasive plant species found in local lakes in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. The objectives of ISWG are to monitor invasives in and near Kenosha County lakes, evaluate effectiveness of management techniques, and increase public awareness. The hypothesis of this long-term research project is the abundance of invasive species present is inversely proportional to the diversity of species. Aquatic sampling was done with a rake pull thrown into the water to assess weeds. Terrestrial sampling was done in a stratified random design near outlet streams of the lakes. The Shannon Diversity Index (SDI) and Analysis of Variants (ANOVA) measure the

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distribution of species and variation of species, respectively. The SDI and percentages of invasive species varied from lake to lake. The ANOVA showed lakes were significantly different with regard to SDI in the terrestrial samples, but not in the other comparisons. Treatment plans at each lake tend to dictate its percentage of invasives and diversity. Long-term monitoring has shown changes but no consistent trends in the diversity and percentage of invasives in local lakes. The hypothesis was not supported and there is no clear mathematical relationship between percentage of invasives and diversity. Further research comparing treatment methods could shed some light on trends seen in the lakes. Funding source: SURE

Black Feet, Red Sand, and Greener Grass: Losing French Algeria Amidst Metropolitan and Settler Conflict Joshua Duncan, Senior

Major: History Hometown: Kenosha, WI Faculty Sponsor: Stephanie Mitchell

Algerian independence, occurring alongside that of most other African nations during the midtwentieth century, is often assumed to be the inevitable result of decolonization. Yet upon closer examination, â€œdecolonizationâ€? is an incomplete, if not greatly misleading, term for the secession of this territory that had been legally and administratively considered an integral part of France for over a century, and for which France was willing to engage in a bloody conflict from 1954-1962 that it might remain so. My research question, therefore, is: Had Algeria become a legitimate, integral part of France by the time of the war for independence, and if so, what was the role of the troubled relationship between the pieds-noirs (European population of French North Africa) and the metropolitan French in resisting or causing events to occur as they did? I have reviewed much secondary literature surrounding this topic in order gain new perspectives and understanding of the general history. I have also gathered and analyzed primary sources such as: memoirs, official French government documents, public opinion polls, photos, and video documentation. The evidence has pointed to these conclusions: Algerian independence was not an inevitability. French Algeria became unsustainable because of deepening pied-noir and metropolitan divisions, replacing compromise with extremism. This is significant because issues such as prejudice and discrimination have continued to plague French society into our time.

How to Make Healthy Food Affordable and Accessible Brittany Eggert, Senior Major: Marketing Hometown: Cambridge, WI Faculty Sponsor: Mark Miller

The recent increase in the demand for healthy foods is widespread. America needs solutions which make healthy food more accessible

and affordable. Fast food and other unhealthy options are consistently cheaper than healthy food, such as a salad. At McDonaldâ€™s, the number one fast food chain in the world, a double cheeseburger costs $1.29, while a Southwest salad costs $4.79. I explore whether government involvement through subsidies, an incentive program, and/or education can assist in making healthy food more affordable and accessible. Secondary data from the Internet provided an excellent source for new initiatives and potential changes to make these foods attainable. I investigated trial incentive programs that awards those who consistently bought healthy foods. I explored farm subsidies that can be modified so farmers are able to afford to produce more fruits and vegetables. Lastly, I researched education programs that promote healthy food. The organization Wholesome Wave has started a program where doctors can prescribe fruits and vegetables instead of medicine to overweight children to get them healthier. The data suggests all of these alternatives are be beneficial; however the only way to influence lifelong behavior is to start when children are young. Therefore, education and the implementation of health food programs in schools are the best ways to make healthy food more affordable and accessible.

Characterizing Dark Energy and Expansion History of the Universe Eli Favela, Senior

Major: Physics and Mathematics Hometown: Palatine, IL Faculty Sponsor: Jean Quashnock

This is an attempt to understand modern cosmology and characterize the significance of dark energy in the universe to compare with current statements from modern cosmology. Unique cosmological models produce differences in light travel distances measured at high redshifts. Supernovae from the SCP Union2.1 SN Ia compilation are used as standard candles to determine distances at these high redshifts and constrain initial parameters. From this method, and assuming a spatially flat Euclidean space-time, dark energy is shown to comprise approximately 71.9% of the energy content in the universe today and matter contributes 28.1%. Compared to the most precise measurements to date from WMAP of 71.4% and 28.6% this study was able to fairly accurately agree

with the current standard measure of dark energy. Using this measure, the age of the universe is shown to be roughly 14 billion years old.

Visualization of Internalized Viral Nanoparticles (VNPs) for Early Cancer Detection Heidi Fenske, Senior Major: Biology

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI Faculty Sponsor: Kristopher Koudelka

Darien Jefferson, Junior

Major: Biology and Neuroscience Hometown: Wauwatosa, WI Faculty Sponsor: Kristopher Koudelka

Laura Krings, Freshman

Major: Chemistry and Biology Hometown: Nekoosa, WI Faculty Sponsor: Kristopher Koudelka

According to the American Cancer Society, it is projected that over half a million Americans will die of cancer in 2014. Future projections could be reduced with earlier detection and treatment of cancer than current methods allow. Chemically modified viral nanoparticles (VNPs) have the potential to be used as an imaging device for the early detection of cancer through the addition of disease-specific targeting ligands to the viral capsid. We created Cowpea Mosaic (CPMV) VNPs equipped with fluorescein (FITC) succinimidyl ester fluorescent ligands to create an imaging device with a high signal to noise ratio for the efficient detection of cancer. UV-VIS spectrophotometry was used to determine that 175 FITC molecules were attached per CPMV. Native dot blot western demonstrated that FITC does not interfere with antibody detection of the virus. This is important for future studies because it will allow us to visualize unmodified viruses using antibodies post-internalization, rather than using the FITC dye during internalization. The use of unmodified capsids is beneficial because it shows that FITC would not mediate the targeting of cells. Fluorescent microscopy was then used to visualize CPMV after internalization in HeLa cells, a human cancer line. We have found that when compared to antibody detection of VNPs post-internalization, the presence of FITC does not disturb the internalization process of the virus. Future studies will explore the use of transferrin as a targeting ligand for a potential drug delivery vehicle for cancer.

An NMR Investigation of the Effect of pH on the Aggregation of Amino Acid Surfactants Mark Flanigan, Senior Major: Chemistry Hometown: Saint Charles, IL Faculty Sponsor: Kevin Morris

NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate the physical properties of micelles formed by molecules containing a long hydrocarbon chain terminated with the amino acid leucine. Since the a-carbon atom in the leucine headgroup is chiral, these micelles can be used as stationary phases in chiral separations. NMR spectroscopy was used to study the effect of solution pH on the sizes, viscosities, and structures of the micelles. NMR diffusion experiments showed that the micelles were largest at acidic and very basic pH levels and smaller in the pH range of 7-9. NMR titrations revealed that the leucine amide proton disappeared from the NMR spectra around pH 10. Variable temperature NMR experiments showed this effect was most likely due to an increase in amide proton exchange rate with solvent at high pH. Two-dimensional NMR spectra suggested that in the micelles the surfactant molecules underwent minimal folding. Finally, both the (S) and (R) enantiomers of a chiral compound were found to bind to micelles at mole fractions above 0.80. Funding source: National Science Foundation

Improbable Exhibition Poster Alexandria Frank, Junior

Major: Communication and Graphic Design Hometown: Madison, WI Faculty Sponsor: Jose Montoto

This Improbable Exhibition Poster was my solution to the final project assigned in Graphic Design I. Unlike the previous two projects, the Improbable Exhibition Poster required ingenuity in both the graphic and literary arts. The main concept was to fabricate a cleverly bizarre and fictitious exhibition that would be held at the Milwaukee Art Museum and to create a poster that would legitimize the event. The process to construct the final product was a long one and included numerous revisions. Two vastly different design approaches were the initial starting points. After the first critique, one of my designs was rejected due to the lack of content clarity and I decided to move forward with my current concept. There were different experimentations with layering and layout organization in Adobe Illustrator as well as an exploration of typography and utilization of raw/hand-made material. Every detail had a specific significance with the intent of evoking the theme of the poster as well as any connotations that corresponded with it. Other considerations were made based on aesthetics and multiple in-class critiques.

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This project acknowledged the tension between one’s personal opinions on aesthetics and style and the display of content that is reciprocated to an audience. The various critiques prepared students for the more realistic and likely interaction between client and designer and also supplied the insightful benefit of having multiple perspectives.

Come and Knock on Our Door; Grammar is Waiting for You! Micole Gauvin, Junior

Major: Math and Elementary Education Hometown: Beloit, WI Faculty Sponsor: Mary Preston

Cami Christopulos, Sophomore Major: Marketing and Finance Hometown: Vernon Hills, IL Faculty Sponsor: Mary Preston

In working in the Writing Center, we have noticed a disconnect between the emphasis placed on grammar in grading and the amount of classroom time actually spent teaching these skills. Carthage does not offer basic writing/composition classes, leaving some students without knowledge of how to correctly use grammar. And yet, grammar errors consistently result in significantly lower grades. Professors often send students to the Writing Center where we as fellows are trained to address Higher Order Concerns (HOC’s) such as thesis statements and analysis over Lower Order Concerns (LOC’s) such as grammar. While we have a Developmental Writing program to help students struggling with writing, there are many students who do not qualify for such an intensive program, but still have a grammar need. We have conducted research in our Center, using t-tests to compare topics addressed in sessions over the years, and have found statistically significant data to support our observations of these grammar needs. In response to these needs, we are instituting programs to help address what we see as the HOC/LOC cycle and grammar void. We are implementing mini grammar tutorials into classes and sessions; we will hold a grammar workshop for our fellows to equip ourselves to better address grammar with our clients; and moreover, we are effectively using all of our grammar resources, including Writer’s Help, to improve students’ writing.

An Investigation of Beta-Blocker Association with Chiral Molecular Micelles by Means of Molecular Dynamics Simulations Ashley Gladis, Junior

Major: Chemistry Hometown: Batavia. IL Faculty Sponsor: Kevin Morris

This project used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the intermolecular interactions between two b-blocker drugs and a chiral molecular micelle. The molecular micelle contained twenty covalently bound surfactant monomers. Each monomer was composed of a hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain and a dipeptide headgroup. The chiral molecular micelles studied are used as stationary phases in chiral separations. The b-blocker drugs investigated were atenolol and propranolol. For both b-blockers, (R) or (S) enantiomers were docked into one of five molecular micelle binding pockets. Fifteen nanosecond MD simulations were then carried out. This poster will present analyses of the b-blocker:micelle binding energies, the b-blocker solvent accessible surface areas, and intermolecular hydrogen bonds formed between the b-blockers and the micelles. Structures of the molecular micelle:b-blocker intermolecular complexes will also be shown. Funding source: SURE, NIH Grant to the RCMI Program at Howard University

Industrial Stiletto Research and Creativity Award Honorable Mention

Jacquelynn Glass, Junior

Major: Graphic Design and Communication Hometown: Hillsdale, MI Faculty Sponsor: Jose Montoto

In typography class I was tasked with the project of designing a usable font, and two posters showcasing my font. This piece is unique, first, because we were designing a project to match a font, rather than picking a font to match a design. On a personal level, this project challenged me. I struggled to get out of the mindset of image heavy design and create something that displayed the unique facets of my font. In the end, not only did I succeed, but I really pushed myself as a designer. After finalizing my font, I began my posters by creating sketches of what my font reminded me of – old cars with winged backs, diners with chrome edges and red plastic booths. Then I began recreating my favorite sketch in Adobe Illustrator. My original poster displayed the font on the license plate of a Corvette style car, and in a rearview mirror with fuzzy dice hanging down. After a few weeks of work I realized I was going nowhere with this design. I approached my professor, who told me to scrap the design and start over, and to focus on the shapes of my unique letterforms.

After that, I utilized the large curves and loops, and the contrast in thick and thin of my letterforms, to create two posters based solely on my font.

The Effects of Whey Protein, Gatorade, and Creatine on Strength and Overall Health Michael Goetz, Senior

Major: Chemistry Hometown: Racine, WI Faculty Sponsor: Kristopher Koudelka

Josiah Eschbach, Sophomore Major: Biology Hometown: Aurora, IL Faculty Sponsor: Paul Martino

In recent years, supplements have risen in popularity due to claims that the supplement users have experienced increased muscle mass and overall better health. In the J-Term course Bioenergetics and Strength, research was conducted on the supplements whey protein, Gatorade, and creatine in an attempt to determine the effects of supplementation in an intense training regimen. In this study, 59 male and female college students with various athletic backgrounds were subjected to a training regimen. The training regime consisted of three, one hour training sessions per week for the month of January. The training sessions called for four separate whole body workouts that were rotated between workout days. Participants were assigned to one of five supplement groups to take after each workout: water (n=11), whey protein (n=14), creatine (n=14), carbohydrate/Gatorade (n=11), and stacked (stacked group includes combination of all supplements, n=9), each group had approximately four students. These supplements were chosen because these supplements are the most commonly used. The change in fat free weight for the carbohydrate group was highest with +8.89+4.88%, and the change in body fat percentage was -25.70+11.62%. However, while looking at pushing and pulling strength, the water group had the largest percent increases, 36.52+79.41% and 40.45+43.67% respectively. To further research and reach conclusive evidence of the effects of supplementation, similar experimental procedures should be followed with a larger participant group.

Constructing Tools for Effective Spanish Instruction Carolyn Griffith, Senior

Major: Studio Art and Spanish Hometown: Naperville, IL Faculty Sponsor: Matthew Borden

It is the goal of my project to create an effective chapter for an intermediate level Spanish textbook utilizing the overall theme of politics and an introduction to the formal elements of the subjunctive verb tense. This topic in particular is significant for educators and students alike because both parties are always looking for a “better textbook” in terms of the content and how it is presented to be engaging and relevant for effective instruction. In order to create an authentic chapter, I was provided with existing textbooks of varying levels by my professor as references and analyzed the content and format of each one before beginning my own work. Furthermore, the process and thinking behind the creation of this chapter provides some insight into how formatting can effect students’ reception of the material and the teacher’s ability to effectively customize the activities provided in order to make the textbook an effective supplement to instruction. I plan to present the completed chapter alongside a brief synopsis of the processes involved in researching and then creating an intermediate level textbook chapter for Spanish instruction.

VO2 Max in Collegiate Sprint and Long Distance Swimmers Amanda Grigsby, Senior Major: PE Sport and Fitness Hometown: Orland Park, IL Faculty Sponsor: Cynthia Allen

Natalia Bialecka, Senior

Major: Exercise and Sport Science Hometown: Des Plaines, IL Faculty Sponsor: Cynthia Allen

Noel DeLaMar, Senior

Major: Exercise and Sport Science Hometown: Lake Villa, IL Faculty Sponsor: Cynthia Allen

VO2 max is the gold standard for measuring aerobic capacity. Aerobic capacity is the maximal amount of oxygen an athlete can utilize for exercise. The purpose of this research project was to compare the

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VO2 max of female, collegiate distance (500 -1000 yards) and sprint (less than 200 yards) swimmers. Since sprint swimmers train and compete using primarily the anaerobic system we hypothesized that their VO2 max would be lower than the distance (aerobic system) swimmers. The VO2 max was estimated by averaging two separate trials using the Queens College Step Test. Our results concluded that female distance swimmers had a significantly higher (p < .01) average VO2 max of 38.48 ml/kg/min compared to 36.63 ml/kg/min for sprinters. Our hypothesis was confirmed; however we expected a greater difference in VO2 max between long and short distance swimmers. There is currently no method of testing VO2 max in the water, and it is possible our measure was not sensitive enough to pick up true differences that existed between the groups. It is also possible that the training used by the swimmers does not place enough emphasis on the energy systems of the body that are utilized by the different distances.

Velocity Consulting - Johnson Outdoors Distribution and Pricing Analysis

Exploring Poetry and Song Diane Hahn, Senior

Major: Political Science and French Hometown: West Fargo, ND Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Reese Herth, Junior

Major: Political Science Hometown: Morton Grove, IL Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Kellen Sherman, Sophomore Major: Marketing Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Ryan Grotegut, Senior Major: Finance and Marketing Hometown: Newton, WI Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Shields

Evan Brehm, Senior

Major: Exercise and Sport Science Hometown: Racine, WI Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Stephanie Zimmerman, Senior Major: Social Science Hometown: Grayslake, IL Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Shields

At the request of a senior member of Johnson Outdoors Inc., Velocity Consulting was hired to create a distribution and pricing study focused on the watercraft industry in 15 â€œbig boxâ€? sporting good stores. The data was gathered via primary and secondary data sources, utilizing online, telephone, and in-person data collection. Utilizing a shared master spreadsheet, the team collectively assembled the data. Extensive analysis involving numerous plot charts, functions, histograms, and GIS mapping was performed. Through this analysis, complex patterns and key outlier data manifested and actionable recommendations were created. A 105 page product distribution and pricing report was presented to the executive board of Johnson Outdoors Inc including Helen Johnson-Leipold (CEO). Top line conclusions from the study included: -Johnson Outdoors dominates the retail presence in the canoe category -Johnson Outdoors struggles in the sit-on kayak category -Ohio, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York account for 28% of all campers and hikers in the USA

Brandi Mikorski, Senior

Major: Exercise and Sports Science Hometown: Greendale, WI Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Logan Titus, Sophomore Major: Accounting, Spanish Hometown: Moline, IL Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Seles VanHuss, Senior Major: Music Theatre Hometown: Baraboo, WI Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Bianca Bakanec, Senior Major: Theatre Performance Hometown: Salem, WI Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Sheridan Davis, Senior Major: Sociology Hometown: Chicago, IL Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Mark Tellez, Senior

Major: Business Hometown: Hinsdale, IL Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Taylor Flahaven, Senior Major: Psychology Hometown: St. Charles, IL Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Marlon Senior, Senior

Major: Exercise and Sport Science Hometown: Skokie, IL Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Sammi Craig, Junior

Major: Exercise and Sport Science Hometown: Oak Lawn, IL Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Steven Danko, Sophomore Major: Management Hometown: Lindenhurst, IL Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Ron Schaefer, Senior

Major: Accounting and Finance Hometown: Kenosha, WI Faculty Sponsor: Amy Haines

Students of the Carthage Symposium MUSI/MLA 200T: Exploring Poetry and Song: Creations in Time – French and Spanish have already surpassed Pascal Rollet and Amy Haines’ class expectations with their new musical creations. This band of fledgling composers has completed at least four recording projects of increasing complexity and originality. Each project shows students’ progression in language skills, musical literacy, performance skills in voice, piano and/or guitar, and competency in the use of the software program Garage Band. Student creations were guided by the following plans: 1. Found poem with found music. 2. New poem with found music 3. Found poem with new music. 4. New poem with new music. These projects demonstrate the experience of being immersed in a multiple media creative world: creative writing in foreign languages, music performance, audio engineering, and weighing aesthetic value. Composed by students with majors from political science to accounting, exercise and sport science to social work, theatre, and business, the creativity and aesthetic nuance is affecting. Sensitive use of language, flexible vocalization, and fresh musical creativity of inspired synchronicity and artistic accomplishment in the projects caused spontaneous celebration in class. We request to share these compositions with others, as well as inspire the creator in every adventurer.

Strengthening the Electorate by Improving the Role of Student Government in United States Colleges Diane Hahn, Senior

Major: Political Science and French Hometown: West Fargo, ND Faculty Sponsor: Jerald Mast

Young voters at the collegiate level are developing habits that will carry forward into their later years, impacting the future of the electoral system. This relationship makes it pertinent for colleges to improve the role of student governments in the United States, reducing disaffection and strengthening the perceived political efficacy of the electorate. After an exploration of the history, structure, and purpose of student government, this thesis describes political socialization theory, electoral behavior, and political efficacy to make a connection to students’ interaction with college governance. Then, past studies will show where improvements in student government’s role should occur to help to fulfill the purpose of college. Finally, a case study of a Midwest liberal arts college in the United States provides insight into the perceptions of using student government as a pedagogical method for encouraging an engaged electorate, recommending further studies of its kind at other colleges. This thesis suggests that student government’s role can be improved by ensuring student government adequately represents the students, by improving communication between faculty and administration, and most importantly, by educating

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the college about the benefits of student government as a pedagogical experience to promote the overall purpose of higher education.

Breaking the “Ideal Beauty” Mold: Companies Focusing on Improving Women’s Self-Esteem to Improve Brand Image Tara Hamblin, Senior

Major: Marketing and Public Relations Hometown: Roscoe, IL. Faculty Sponsor: Mark Miller

This research focuses on the use of female images in advertising. Many companies use female images in their advertising and other marketing communications as these images reflect their target customer markets. Unfortunately, many of these images depict unrealistic ideals and narrow definitions of female beauty. This has led to many women feeling low self-esteem, demonstrating eating disorders, and engaging in other dysfunctional beliefs and behaviors. However, some companies have created campaigns that celebrate the diversity of beauty, with the objective of developing lasting customer relationships based on positive self-concepts. The relative merits of ideal vs. realistic beauty in marketing is only beginning to be understood. To investigate this issue secondary data from trade and academic articles was utilized, and primary data was collected from exploratory individual conversations with many women across age and racial backgrounds. After examining three major campaigns: the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, the Kellogg Special K Challenge, and the New York Girls Project, and additional historical and nutritional data, the data suggests Dove Campaign for Real Beauty performed the best in developing customer loyalty and positive selfimages in the target customer base. The campaign also improved Dove’s brand image, and set the stage for other companies to consider diversity-in-beauty campaigns in the future.

An Examination of the Decline of the Number of Nuns in the United States 1980 to Present Brooke Hamer, Senior

Major: Religion Hometown: Mahtomedi, MN Faculty Sponsor: Wayne Thompson

Since the colonial era, Catholic nuns, or women religious, have been a part of the social context of the United States. After Vatican II, the role of being a nun in society has changed significantly. However, the

decline in female religious vocations since 1980 to present involves much more than the changes of Vatican II. Role expectations and authority for nuns have declined and become ambiguous, as the number of nuns has dwindled. Catholic women carrying that same mentality are more reluctant to enter into the life of a nun. Previously, women who entered the vocation were entering with the promise of work, which is no longer an attractive aspect of religious life for post-Vatican II Catholic women. General Social Survey data reveals that Catholics in general have less regard for the authority of the Church since the 1970s. Interviews conducted for this study reveal that although many women have left their vocations, there are women who have stayed and continued the ministries of their community. Examining present day women religious in the post-Vatican II era indicates that nuns need to make changes in order to keep their ministries vital and to recruit and retain other women. Overall, the decline in women in religious vocations in the United States is a part of broader social changes that the Church is experiencing.

Johnny Appleseed: Trees and Travels, An Exploration in Historical Geographic Information Systems Matt Hellyer, Senior

Major: Geography and Earth Science Hometown: Algonquin, IL Faculty Sponsor: Wenjie Sun

Though John Chapman became one of the country’s most cherished folk heroes as Johnny Appleseed, a man synonymous with the frontier, few are aware of his actual life and deeds. Consequently, there are few studies of his actual travels and work. This project is a study in historical geographic information systems a mapping — and spatial analysis tool — in which historical textual evidence of Chapman’s travels and the locations of his orchards are documented, compiled, and converted into features on maps through use of data for the towns and counties present between 1790 and 1850 and corresponding historical population censuses. By determining the specific locations of orchards, which preceded the settlers in many cases, it can be shown what significant effect the orchards had on the country’s growing population and its expansion into the American West. Orchards would have made settling easier for those new to the frontier, as they provided a steady supply of food and were even helpful in indicating property during the era. Since a ten year period was necessary for most trees to mature, comparing population counts in ten year increments in locations both with and without orchards, makes evident whether or not Chapman’s orchards truly did serve as a catalyst to growth and expansion in the West, or if areas without orchards were just as populated and prosperous.

‘The Baobab Diocese’ Global Heritage Prize

Samantha Heyne, Junior

Major: Psychology and English w/Creative Writing emphasis Hometown: Burnsville, MN Faculty Sponsor: Richard Meier

“The Baobab Diocese” had its first beginning as a nonfiction creative writing project and has been having new beginnings ever since. It is a work-in-progress, a reflection on a three-week long mission trip to Tanzania with a Lutheran congregation from Minnesota that I experienced when I was seventeen years old. Its disjointed, sometimes broken form reflects the nature of its content in several ways. Certain particulars are clear, while other, seemingly more important details are left out, in the same way that memories oftentimes come back to us through small, but very real sensory moments. It also reflects my ignorance as a young high school student at the very bottom of a church hierarchy—uninformed about both the culture in which I was immersed and the nature of the trip itself. This piece is about identity and dissonance. It attempts to build bridges and it attempts to collapse them. It attempts to give the reader culture shock. It attempts to isolate and cast out its reader as other. It questions both old ideas of what is “improving life” in foreign cultures and new organizations like Bega Kwa Bega, which imposes its Lutheran visions of improvement on Tanzania specifically. “The Baobab Diocese” plants itself upside down; reaching its roots toward some distant, abstract moral ideal that never comes quite into focus.

Religious Spatial and Temporal Development Patterns across Core and Periphery Counties in Qing-period Sichuan: A Preliminary Analysis Rachel Ho, Sophomore

Major: Neuroscience and Asian Studies Hometown: Kenosha, WI Faculty Sponsor: Stephen Udry

For my Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, I worked under Professor Stephen Udry in a spatial analysis of temple building and reconstruction across a few core and periphery counties within Sichuan Province, China from the Ming (1368-1644) up to the early 20th century. The goal of the ongoing study is to determine and identify particular trends in religious concerns and popularity of deities over a wide area and large span of time. William Skinner’s division of China into nine macro-regions based on economic ties has been accepted as a valid framework for examining China. The macro-region schema divides these regions into economic cores and peripheries, based on analysis of market patterns on the local level. This schema provides the basis for the spatial analysis

of this project. This first stage is a temporal analysis across two counties. We have chosen to represent this data in a series of graphs and charts to observe any temporal correlations across these two counties. Using the data I compiled and translated from Republican-era editions of Sichuan county gazatters, Professor Udry will create maps using geographic information software, matching the compiled data to immigration and population growth patterns as well as rough economic data to highlight religious trends. Geographic data, chronological data and nomenclature was collected from gazatteers from two counties, translated as necessary and sorted in an Excel spreadsheet. Funding source: SURE

Using Cladistic Analysis to Reconstruct the Craniofacial Ontogeny of Corythosaurus Casuarius and C. Intermedius; an Investigation into Anagenesis in the Fossil Record Stephen Hobe, Junior

Major: Biology and Music Theatre Hometown: Hickory Hills, IL Faculty Sponsor: Thomas Carr

The cranial osteology of Corythosaurus is well known; specimens have been collected since the early 20th century, resulting in a high sample size (21 specimens) from the Dinosaur Park Formation (Late Campanian, Cretaceous) in Alberta, Canada. This assemblage includes two stratigraphically separate species, C. casuarius (older) and C. intermedius (younger), representing an anagenetic lineage. It provides the opportunity for studying anagenesis through ontogeny. The sample includes juveniles, subadults, and adults. Previous ontogenetic work on Corythosaurus is size-based, however, size is variable, where it does not always represent relative maturity. The primary goals of this study were to (1) obtain a cladistic ontogeny for C. casuarius and C. intermedius, (2) compare the ontogenies to identify interspecific differences, and (3) obtain the position of C. intermedius specimens among those of C. casuarius. Hypothetical ontogenetic characters were obtained from the primary literature, an adult C. casuarius skull, and a cast of a juvenile C. casuarius skull. Growth series were obtained using a cladistic approach. Data matrices were constructed in the software program MacClade 4.0; the analyses were run in Phylogenetic Analysis Using Parsimony (PAUP 4.0*). The results of the analyses showed that in the combined analysis, C. intermedius specimens were recovered within the subadult growth stage of C. casuarius. Therefore, the pattern of anagenesis, in this case, shows two species that are indistinguishable from growth stages.

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Evaluation of Buffer Strips on Golf Courses Located Throughout Northeast Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin in Comparison to Algal Growth in Local Ponds Bradley Hyland, Senior

Major: Environmental Science and Marketing Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL Faculty Sponsor: Tracy Gartner

Today’s world has caused our soils to become degraded due to the extreme usage of synthetic fertilizers and heavy machinery. These degraded soils have led to an increase in runoff into local waterways. Mass farming has increased the implementation of synthetic fertilizers; however, farmers are beginning to realize that there are ways in which they can reduce the runoff into these local waterways. The most common method is through the use of buffer strips. Although farming is a leading cause to runoff of synthetic fertilizers, golf courses across the country are putting more synthetic fertilizers into the ecosystem than large-scale farm operations. With over 13,000 golf courses across the United States, water features located within or adjacent to these courses are at extreme risk of containing high nutrient levels. These high nutrient levels can lead to eutrophication, which can lead to a decrease in biodiversity of the ecosystem.

‘Daughter of Dragons’ Research and Creativity Award Honorable Mention

Kira Immordino, Sophomore Major: Environmental Science Hometown: Trevor, WI

She was seven years old when the murderers tore her family apart. Now, in a world where her kind are hunted and slain without mercy, she must spend the next eight years of her life hiding amongst those who want her dead. Every day is a battle for survival and acceptance. She cannot afford to make mistakes, for if she does, she will meet her end by cold steel. She dares not reveal her true name, and so calls herself Ceridwen of Hadridsted. Her disguises take many forms. Sometimes she flies as a raven, black as night. Sometimes she assumes the likeness of a skulking stray cat. Yet her favored guise is that of a human child, unremarkable except for her vivid, golden eyes. She is Xírasí Isareis Areix, an orphaned dragoness of Zarta. “Daughter of Dragons” (55,667 words) is my first novel, but it will definitely not be my last. I have many ideas for stories set in Zarta and its neighboring continent, Atheras. Most of these will feature Xírasí, but some will explore the past and present of minor characters, as well. I have spent the past five to six months working on this story. It

was quite the journey, but well worth it in the end. I am looking for a publisher, but for now, “Daughter of Dragons” is not published.

Corsets, Crinolines, and Plumbers Tubing: Building Victorian Underwear with Modern Materials Kim Instenes

Department: Theatre

“No Name” is the play adapted by our most recent guest playwright, Jeffrey Hatcher. The play was adapted from a book of the same name written by Wilkie Collins in the mid 19th century. The Theatre Department’s production of the play was set in 1850s England. My submission to Celebration of Scholars will be the research, renderings and final products for the costume design of this production. I designed the costumes from underwear to outerwear and the students in the costume shop built most of the pieces in the show. The historical research alone is daunting on a project like this, but the greatest challenge is creating the looks with modern materials and on a limited budget. The crinolines are the perfect example of this. Instead of whalebone — When is the last time you saw a piece of whalebone? — and horsehair we used plastic plumbers tubing and grosgrain ribbon. This project shows the innovation and creativity used to create theatre costumes. The finished product gave the audience a look into the romantic period of 1850 and all its “trappings”.

Experimental Modal Analysis for Microgravity Fuel Gauging Eric Ireland, Junior

Major: Physics and Mathematics Hometown: Kenosha Faculty Sponsor: Kevin Crosby

Traditional methods of fuel gauging rely on the presence of an external gravity field. Such methods are not effective under microgravity conditions and the current alternative techniques require heavy sensing equipment and yield low precision. We propose to use Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) as a method to measure the volume of a settled, non-sloshing propellant simulant under microgravity conditions, which would be accurate and be lightweight. EMA involves recording the vibration spectrum of a solid object, such as a tank, and using the spectral characteristics to infer the structural properties of the object, such as how much fluid is inside it. This technique has shown promise in parabolic plane testing and the sounding rocket platform is an excellent way to test the method under deep space conditions. The results gathered from the flight met our minimum mission success criteria. The payload was able to continuously send a signal

into the tank and record its vibration response. Our goal was to find at least one 0-g EMA resonant frequency peak to compare with a corresponding peak in the 1-g ground data; we found 3 peaks. We were aware the effects of rocket spin would affect the results, but we believe the spin probably had a stabilizing effect on the surface of the fluid, reducing slosh. The results from this mission establish a proof of concept that EMA fuel gauging has the potential to be used in 0-g with settled, non-sloshing fluids. Funding source: External funding

The Role of Behavioral Inhibition and the Amygdala on Avoidance Acquisition in Rats Victoria Jensen, Sophomore Major: Neuroscience and Psychology Hometown: Granton, WI Faculty Sponsor: Daniel Miller

Jesse Wilson, Senior

Major: Neuroscience Hometown: Salem, WI Faculty Sponsor: Daniel Miller

Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats are a model for behavioral inhibition in humans, a temperament that exhibits avoidance as a function of anxiety. The amygdala is associated with avoidance acquisition. Betweengroups analysis of the open field observed six inhibited behaviors (dependent variables) between WKY rats and Sprague-Dawley (SD) controls. Three between-within factorials determined percent CRs, post-escape bar presses and CR latency (dependent variables) between two strains (WKY and SD), two surgical groups (amygdala lesion and sham) and within nine sessions. The results of the open field supported the hypothesis that WKY rats are more behaviorally inhibited than SDs. Percent CRs supported the hypotheses that rats acquire CRs over time and amygdala lesions impair CR acquisition. Post-escape bar presses supported the hypothesis that amygdala lesions decrease post-escape bar presses. CR latency supported the hypotheses that CR latency decreases over time, amygdala lesions increase CR latency and amygdala lesions affect WKY rats more dramatically than SD rats. Funding source: SURE, external funding (Department of Veterans Affairs through Dr. Rick Servatius)

A Study of Just War Theory in Modern Times: Can Nuclear Warfare be Just? Carolyn Kick, Sophomore Major: Political Science and Finance Hometown: Grayslake, IL Faculty Sponsor: Arthur Cyr

This research applies Just War theory to the modern issue of nuclear weapons to explore the ethical implications of their use in a nuclear war. The research includes a variety of scholarly works dedicated to Just War theory, nuclear warfare, and nuclear weaponry as well as the Bible and official Catholic Just War doctrine. The ultimate aim of the research is to examine and present evidence supporting both possibilities—both that nuclear war is justified, and that nuclear war is unjustifiable. This research does not seek to draw a definitive conclusion, but presents a variety of scholarly opinions in an organized manner, thus contributing to an open dialogue surrounding nuclear weapons and the important danger of nuclear war. Overall, the work as a whole aims to provide a survey of Just War theory as applied to nuclear warfare. In this sense, it is a resource for those contemplating nuclear weapon policy, nuclear arms control legislation, and modern human rights issues.

‘A Father’ Research and Creativity Award Winner

“A Father” is the story of a girl growing up in an abusive household. Oftentimes individuals pity victims of abuse, but can hardly comprehend what enduring the abuse actually feels like. “A Father” attempts to bridge this gap. It gives a small insight into a life ruled by terror, destruction, and godless hopelessness. When I share “A Father,” I am often asked if it a personal recount of abuse. However, I refrain from answering this question. “A Father” is not about sharing a personal story, but rather, creating an open dialect about child abuse victims and the darkness they live in. Child abuse victims are often re-victimized by the system; they are placed into temporary custody assignments and bounced from foster home to foster home—forever unloved. Or worse yet: they are accused of lying and are thrown directly back into the physically, sexually, and emotionally abusive home they came from. I say enough is enough. Child abuse victims cannot continue to live in darkness. They cannot continue to be blamed and shamed for what they have endured. And they absolutely cannot continue living in these volatile homes. We must take a stand against child abuse. Yes, in “A Father” the victim escapes her relentless abuser, however, too many boys and girls are not as lucky. They are doomed to years of abuse, torture, and hopelessness. Laws banning abusive behavior are not enough to protect these children. We need a system which works for victims, not against them. We need a system which seeks to help victims, not interrogate them. Most importantly, we need a system which supports victims, believes victims, and lifts victims out of the darkness. I am taking a stand against child abuse. Please, stand with me. Together we can save more girls like the survivor in “A Father.”

Celebration of Scholars

Effects of Typically Developing Siblings on Autistic Siblings’ Theory of Mind Kathryn Klausegger, Senior Major: Psychology Hometown: Kenosha, WI Faculty Sponsor: Ingrid Tiegel

Autism Spectrum Disorders are a group of disorders that typically involve cognitive delays, social delays, and verbal delays. Theory of Mind, which is one’s ability to understand others’ mental processes and predict behaviors, is a core deficit in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Sibling interactions often lead to higher Theory of Mind scores in Typically Developing children, and may lead to higher scores in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders as well. Unfortunately, the methods used to study Theory of Mind are usually very limited, even though many other methods exist. This thesis reviewed the literature in order to propose an experimental research study utilizing multiple methods to analyze Theory of Mind. This study hypothesized that Theory of Mind abilities would be significantly higher in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders who have one or more Typically Developing, child aged siblings. Until this point, only one study has observed the effects that Typically Developing siblings have on siblings with Autism and Theory of Mind abilities. Through the use of advanced measurements of Theory of Mind and the guidance of this thesis, researchers can develop a better understanding of this subject.

Not-So-Natural Man: The Problem of Freedom in Rousseau’s ‘Second Discourse’ Western Heritage Scholarship - First Place

Taylor Kloha

Major: Great Ideas Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Rousseau presents the problem that man is not free; he is subject to the influence of society upon his actions and desires. Working with the Aristotelian description of happiness as living in accordance with one’s true nature, Rousseau then characterizes a “natural man,” seemingly as an alternative to the unhappy modern man. This characterization is shown to have no content. Furthermore, Rousseau is found to suggest that there is no fixed human nature, only “perfectibility” or the capacity for change. A close reading of the “Discourse” suggests, however, that perfectibility is in fact limited by desire; this remains problematic because of Rousseau’s stance that societal desires as well as the fundamental limiting desire for permanence are both unfulfillable. Thus Rousseau is found to imply that man can never be happy in the Aristotelian sense, because the desires which define human nature cannot be satisfied. Further analysis implies that Rousseau’s outlook is nevertheless not entirely bleak. In a brief characterization of the isolated philosopher, it is inferred that through the close examining and managing of desire, man can attain a degree of freedom however small.

Characterization of Qi in Modern and Classical Chinese Traditional Medical Discourse Elizabeth Lanum, Sophomore Major: Biology Hometown: Kenosha, WI Faculty Sponsor: Daniel Choffnes

What is the vital force or energy? In traditional Chinese medicine this concept is called Qi. Qi is important because to many people Qi directly affects their life and their health. It connects every being and is essential for survival. Without Qi, one cannot survive. The objective of this study is to compare references of Qi in ancient and contemporary sources to determine if the Qi concept stayed consistent between the traditional Chinese texts and modern media. Due to the change in media from textbooks to new technology, it is possible for concepts such as Qi to evolve and change. Classic texts and modern media were examined to determine variation in the perception of Qi. Along with books, modern media included a weekly program that is widely watched in China and interviews with Chinese people. The data consisted of various characterizations of Qi. The data show two emerging patterns in which the concept of Qi has been stable, or “frozen,” but also that it has changed and developed. In the formal Traditional Chinese Medicine Qi has been a stable concept. In the informal setting however, the concept of Qi has altered. Funding source: SURE

Sleep Deprivation and Athletic Performance Kristen Lemberger, Senior Major: Athletic Training Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL Faculty Sponsor: Cynthia Allen

Randi Mikorski, Senior

Major: Exercise and Sport Science Hometown: Greendale, WI Faculty Sponsor: Cynthia Allen

A crucial part of the day that is often taken for granted is sleep. Although it consists of a restoration period, research shows that sleep is also full of dynamic processes. Physiologically, metabolism slows down, heart rate decreases, and blood pressure drops. Proper sleep will help to maintain mood, memory, and cognitive function. In previous studies, subjects who slept less than seven hours noticed impaired motor skills and decreased alertness. Our hypothesis was that sleep deprivation would negatively affect anaerobic power, strength, and endurance. Anaerobic power was

tested using the Margaria-Kalmen Test, strength was tested using a one repetition maximum squat, and endurance was measured through a one mile run. The subjects obtained 8 hours of sleep and performed the tests. Then, after 24 hours of recovery, subjects were retested after only 4 hours of sleep. After sleep deprivation, the subjects’ average anaerobic power output decreased by 72.79 watts, the time of the one mile run increased by .04 seconds, and strength decreased by 5 pounds. Although deficits in athletic performance were found, none of the results was significant. Therefore, an increase in the number of hours or an increase in the number of days subjects were deprived of sleep may have been necessary to obtain significant results.

Effects of Alliaria petiolata on Soil Composition at Carthage College Alexandra Lemmer, Senior Major: Environmental Science Hometown: Mukwonago, WI Faculty Sponsor: Tracy Gartner

There is increasing evidence that invasive species can alter the diversity and activity of soil microorganisms, which may impact nutrient cycling. Invasives that change soil properties can have far-reaching and potentially long-term impacts on the structure and function of ecosystems. This study focused on the presence of A. petiolata, or garlic mustard, which is an abundant invasive, on the campus of Carthage College and how the different growth stages of A. petiolata have the ability to alter soil nutrients and components. The hypothesis was that mature A. petiolata would be associated with higher nutrient levels than in areas of A. petiolata rosettes and where A. petiolata is not present. Three replicate plots each in areas containing mature A. petiolata, A. petiolata rosettes or no A. petiolata, were tested for soil moisture, soil organic matter, pH, nitrogen and phosphorous levels and soil texture in order to measure the outcome of the processes that are happening below ground and above ground that determine why A. petiolata has the ability to outcompete native species. Trends showed that plots with A. petiolata were found to have higher soil moisture percentages, higher soil organic matter percentages and lower pH values than the plots without A. petiolata, suggesting that the presence of A. petiolata could have an effect on soil moisture, soil organic matter and soil pH. Funding source: Invasive Species Working Group

The Effect of Wealth on Health in the U.S. from 1999 to 2011 Ryan Lindsay, Senior

Major: Finance and Economics Hometown: Oswego, IL Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Lau

This study examines the wealth effect on the health status of an individual using 7 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) from 1999 to 2011. Health status is self-measured requiring individuals in the study to rate their own health status on a scale of one to five. Past research has established a relationship between health and wealth, but the direction of causality remains an open issue. Looking at changes in wealth and employing a two year lag I will attempt to isolate a causal effect from an individual’s wealth to their self-rated health status. Although total measured wealth has a small effect on health, individual variables within wealth do have significant value. With the rising call for universal healthcare, these findings have important policy incentive implications. Funding source: SURE

The Spanish Inquisition and Witchcraft Andrew Martin, Senior Major: History Hometown: Chicago, IL Faculty Sponsor: Stephen Udry

Why was the Spanish Inquisition relatively tolerant to witches and the practice of witchcraft? To answer this question I plan to look at people like Inquisitor Alonso de Salazar Frías, who did not believe that witchcraft was a serious threat to the Catholic faith, in order to understand the approach taken by the Spanish Inquisition. Witch hunts and their trials where a major part of life in medieval world, people were scared and in witch accusations they found a scapegoat for unexplained losses and diseases, in the uneasy times of the Middle Ages. “Malleus Maleficarum” or “The Hammer of Witches,” which was published in 1486, added to this witch craze but the Inquisition was firmly against it. The use of transcripts from court cases and from the proceedings of the Inquisition will help build this argument. Looking at the well-kept Inquisition records will help as well in the answering of these questions of why the Spanish Inquisition was not as brutal as other organizations in the hunts of witches.

Stripped Bare: An Examination of Pornography, Feminism and Constitution Victoria Martinez, Senior Major: Political Science and English Hometown: Farmington Hills, MI Faculty Sponsor: Jeffrey Roberg

Pornography is one of the most controversial areas of constitutionally protected speech. There are some notable feminists, however, who would argue that pornography should not be protected because it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This research argues that, despite the constitutional basis of this argument, the Supreme Court was correct in following free speech doctrine over the Equal Protection Clause in regard to pornography

Celebration of Scholars

because free speech is more far-reaching and comprehensive as a legal check on behavior than the Equal Protection Clause. Through analysis of two local ordinances based on this radical feminist position, as well as an examination of court cases dealing with equal protection and free speech as they pertain to pornography, this study examines why the Court disregards this equal protection argument in favor of free speech in the case of pornography, and why this was ultimately the more prudent decision. Because the Court never officially remarks on MacKinnon’s equal protection argument (choosing instead to focus on her narrow scope and how her argument violates free speech) this research concludes that while the equal protection argument had the potential to influence opinion, it ultimately fell short compared to free speech doctrine.

‘The Rover’: An Unrealized Costume Design Molly Mason, Senior

Major: Theatre with an Emphasis in Costume Design Hometown: Downers Grove, IL Faculty Sponsor: Kim Instenes

In order to develop the skills of a costume designer and delve into the Cavalier period as a dramaturg, I have studied and costume designed Aphra Behn’s “The Rover” this summer as a part of the SURE program. This experience helped me have a better understanding of costume design, help better my knowledge of costume history, expand my skills in play analysis and helped me begin to build my portfolio. In order to have a better understanding of costume design and the work put into the process, I have done research and analyzed the play, using texts and techniques from David Ball’s “Backwards and Forwards,” I have a better knowledge of how to properly decipher texts in order to translate that analysis and research into costume design. This is important because in order to properly depict these characters, a costume designer must understand the play they are designing for. I expanded my knowledge of costume history using databases and primary sources, whether it be actual clothes from that period or examining costumes from shows of the same time period. I can now more accurately portray the characters, in what they would actually be wearing making the show more authentic. “The Rover” centers on the chaos of a masquerade, and as such, I have also studied in depth the history, the construction, and the meaning of the individual masks. Funding source: SURE Grant

Investigating the Anomaly of Mycobacteriophage Squid: a Temperate Phage that Lacks an Integrase Benjamin Massat, Sophomore Major: Biology and Philosophy Hometown: Buffalo Grove, IL Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Beth Klein, Sophomore

Major: Biology and Chinese Hometown: Sheboygan, WI Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Tobiason

Mycobacteriophage Squid is a temperate phage that infects Mycobacterium smegmatis, a close relative of M. tuberculosis. Temperate phages can integrate their genome into the bacterial host genome and form lysogens. However, a definitive integrase-encoding gene was not identified during annotation of the Squid genome, suggesting that it does not integrate its genome with the host’s but rather maintains it as a plasmid-like structure. Analysis of Squid’s genome annotation showed that the protein product of gene 67 shared 97.5% homology with ParG, a plasmid partition protein required for partition of bacterial plasmids. Ongoing studies may reveal additional Par sequences and a plasmid-like structure within the host cell lysogen. Squid has extensive homology with other sequenced cluster B1 phages. A possible “stoperator,” or repressor-binding sequence, was also identified in Squid. The 11 base pair sequence was found in 20 separate locations in Squid’s genome, 13 of which were in intergenic regions. When searched for in other B subclusters, this sequence was found in B4 phages, but not found in B2, B3, or B5 phages. If the putative stoperator sequence identified for Squid is a viable repressor-binding site, then immunity will only be shown between B1 and B4 phages. We are currently performing immunity assays on the Squid lysogen across the B subclusters to confirm or reject the B1 stoperator sequence proposed.

She Phoebes Me: The Life of the Shepherdess of Arden Courtney Matula, Senior

Major: Theatre Performance and Communication Hometown: Hastings, MN Faculty Sponsor: Martin McClendon

Portraying Phoebe in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” provided me with an exciting opportunity to implement the skills I have gained in acting over the last four years with scholarly research in order to further

my growth as a performer. Through this senior thesis project, I intended to further my capability to examine, understand, and critically interpret classical text in order to convey the words and the character in a meaningful way to the audience. To achieve this, I created various methods to use over the rehearsal process, such as assessment of unknown phrases, overall scene analysis, textual interpretation, and time period research. At a textual level, Phoebe is rude and unkind, seeming to appear out of nowhere in the story, so working on these things helped me understand the context of Phoebe’s character, how she fits into the world at large, and what her overall function is in the play. Phoebe proved to be a wonderful challenge and pushed me to apply the skills I have learned in new and exciting ways. I believe I successfully achieved my ambition of making Phoebe leap from the pages where she is a simple scornful shepherdess, to the stage where she lives a life of spunk, independence, and a fervent desire to find what she wants out of life.

The Strategic Decommissioning of Coal Power Plants in Illinois Ember McCoy, Senior

Major: Environmental Science Hometown: Aurora, IL Faculty Sponsor: Tracy Gartner

More than half of the United States’ energy comes from coal. Its production reduces our reliance on foreign fuel and provides jobs to thousands of Americans; however it is no longer economically efficient and poses a great threat to human and environmental health. The objective of this study was to find a strategy for decommissioning Illinois coal power plants in the least harmful way possible. Ideally, locations will be shut down based on a system that allows for minimal impact on the environment, sustains social equality, and is feasible in terms of energy output and alternative sources. Ten potential sites were evaluated based on air pollution emissions, percent minority population and median household income of the surrounding area, size/energy output, and the cost-benefit of an alternative energy source. ArcGIS was used for mapping and spatial analysis of data acquired from the American Community Survey 2006-2010, 2010 Census, Environmental Protection Agency and SourceWatch coal plant information. Results depict which coal power plants would be the best to shut down first based on environmental justice, pollution emissions, and capacity, while indicating a five year time frame to make up costs of conversion for ideal candidates.

The Experience of a Lifetime Haley Meents, Junior

Major: Screen Media Studies Hometown: Bourbonnais, IL Faculty Sponsor: Paul Chilsen

In January of 2014, my Explorations Beyond Tourism class went to the Dominican Republic to document and explore the culture through the lens of a camera. Professors Kari Duffy and Matt Borden accompanied our class and Professor Paul Chilsen assisted from home to make sure that we had adequate support. Because the Dominican Republic has a high tourism rate, the idea of the trip was to document the real culture and to interview the natives to try and see beyond what tourists see. We filmed our journey and each of my classmates produced a film to explain some aspect of the culture. My film explores the enormous change I underwent upon encountering the Dominican people; from the differences in our culture to experiencing the kindness and enthusiasm that Dominicans have for life, and lack of materialism. Through this J-Term trip, I was able to learn a lot about a foreign culture but even more about myself and as I said in the film, “…I will be reminded of my newfound humility and gratitude every time I turn on the sink, wash my clothes, boot up my laptop or walk into a classroom. So maybe instead of thinking this as an ending, I could look at this like a new journey.” Please view my entire film at this link: http://www.youtu.be/m2NW-x_cTcY

From Public to Private: The Shifting Roles of Irish Women Pre- and Post-Irish Potato Famine Samantha Meszaros, Junior Major: History and Political Science Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL Faculty Sponsor: John Leazer

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects that the Irish Potato Famine 1845-1852 had on the roles of women. The goal is to exhibit that the Famine was a watershed for women’s roles. Before the Famine, women were active in the public sphere; however, postFamine women were strongly involved in the private sphere. The research method used was the examination of women’s lives and roles pre-, during, and post-Irish Potato Famine. This research led to the conclusion that the Famine was a watershed for women. While women were active in the family pre-Famine, they were also active in the economic sphere and the public sphere through charity. During the Famine, women were active in food riots and workhouses. Post-Famine, women, while working along with Catholic priests, were very active in the private sphere. This research demonstrates that through their role in the family women actively shaped post-Famine Irish culture and society.

Celebration of Scholars

An Application of Differential Equations to Political Partisanship Alyssa Miller, Senior

Major: Mathematics Hometown: Maplewood, MN Faculty Sponsor: Mark Snavely

The current political climate suggests an overarching decrease in political partisanship in the United States, which could have serious implications in the political sphere. To test this theory, we consider a differential equations model applicable for scenarios involving two group competition that can be used to translate actual data into projected future outcomes. First, we consider the model generally by addressing the stability of all possible equilibrium points. Then, using Gallup Poll data on United States political partisanship versus non-partisanship, we find parameters for the model that form a least-squares best fit, utilizing Mathematica programming to solve the differential equation for optimal parameter values. Finally, we use the model to project the trend towards or away from party identity, and determine whether it seems as though an eventual steady state will emerge. Three data samples are analyzed: 2004 through 2013, 2012 until the presidential election, and postâ€“ 2012 election through 2013. We find that conclusions regarding eventual steady states vary between data sets, but values for the parameters elicit thought provoking questions regarding political party affiliation.

The Effects of Acute Stress and Fear Conditioning on Spine Density in Rat Infralimbic Cortex Kelly Moench, Senior

Major: Neuroscience, Psychology Hometown: Janesville, WI Faculty Sponsor: Daniel Miller

Deficits in fear extinction are exacerbated by exposure to stress and are seen in many psychopathologies, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Connections from the medial prefrontal cortex to the basolateral amygdala are critical to fear extinction and are sensitive to both chronic and acute stress. Chronic stress impairs fear extinction recall, leads to retraction of apical dendrites and a decrease in spine density in medial prefrontal cortex, but induces dendritic growth in basolateral amygdala. Acute stress impairs fear extinction and causes dendritic retraction in both medial prefrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala. We examined the effects of a single elevated platform stressor on fear extinction and spine density in rat infralimbic cortex. Spines were counted on 12 apical and 12 basilar terminal branches per rat, evenly distributed across hemispheres and cortical layers. Fear extinction deficits were seen following acute stress, but there was no effect of stress

on spine density. Fear conditioning and extinction, however, resulted in an overall decrease in spine density in apical dendrites, as seen across all spine types. Although acute stress did not alter spine density in medial prefrontal cortex, that conditioning and extinction was sufficient in decreasing spine density reveals the sensitivity of medial prefrontal cortex to behavioral manipulations. In sum, medial prefrontal cortex is an important part of the fear conditioning and extinction pathway but stress may be acting differentially throughout the pathway to impair extinction. Funding source: NSF REU at Indiana University

Creation of an Eschericia coli C.0293 Knockout for an Examination of the Stress Response Ellisa Mullen, Senior

Major: Biology Hometown: Brodhead, WI Faculty Sponsor: Janice Pellino

Angela Fuller, Senior

Major: Biology, Music Hometown: Glendale, WI Faculty Sponsor: Janice Pellino

The field of small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) exploded with the discovery of the RNA Interference pathway. It is now understood that these sRNAs are critical for proper development and gene regulation. While the role of sRNAs has been extensively studied in other systems, little is known about their role in gene control in bacteria, specifically in the cellular stress response. One sRNA found inEscherichia coli (E. coli) and the closely related Salmonella typhimurium, C.0293, is only expressed when cells are grown on minimal media, yet its specific function is unknown. Affinity studies have shown that heat unstable nucleoid protein (HU), a small dimer that inhibits DNA supercoiling and represses the gal operon, interacts with C.0293 in vitro. We hypothesize that this binding could activate HU to repress the gal operon in times of limited nutrient availability. In vivo homologous recombination via the Red/ET recombination system was used to delete the C.0293 gene. Preliminary studies suggest that this gene deletion was successful and that C.0293 is required for cell growth in minimal media. Future studies will screenDC.0293 cell growth under a wide range of conditions to elucidate its role in the cellular stress response, potentially leading to the development of better and more targeted therapeutics.

The Persona’s Precedence Over Realism: The Kansai Dialect in Modern Japanese Media Brent Nemetz, Senior Major: Japanese, English Hometown: Menominee, MI Faculty Sponsor: Yan Wang

The dialects spoken in Japan are unique in that they are often hidden by the users depending on the situation they are in, making their personal dialects a sort of tool that can be used. The dialect spoken in the Kansai region (Kansaiben) is often associated with comedians, criminals, and idiots. It is no wonder, then, why it is often hidden when speaking to people of other regions, or even while at the workplace or while giving presentations while in school. In the media, however, such switches are rare or even nonexistent. Media, being a reflection of reality, should contain examples of this circumstance which happens daily in many people’s lives. However, because of the comfort of having familiar personas and characterizations being identifiable by the audience, a character speaking Kansaiben becomes a flat aspect of character rather than round, complex one that we see in day-to-day life. In my thesis I set out to investigate the different tropes associated with the Kansai dialect in media, prove why Kansaiben is never used to its fullest depth, and under what circumstances exceptions to this rule are made.

An Investigation of Chiral Amino Acid Micelles by means of NMR Spectroscopy Victoria Northrup, Junior Major: Chemistry and Neuroscience Hometown: Rochester, MN Faculty Sponsor: Kevin Morris

Surfactant molecules are amphiphilic, meaning they contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic functional groups. Above a critical concentration in aqueous solution, most surfactants aggregate into micelles with a hydrophobic region in the interior and a hydrophilic region on the surface. This project investigated the amino acid terminated surfactants undecanyl-(L)-alanate (UND-Ala) and undecanyl(L)-glutamic acid (UND-Glu). The goal of our research was to quantify the effect that solution pH has on the physical properties of the micelles formed by these two surfactants. NMR diffusion experiments were performed to determine the effect of pH on micelle size. Viscosity measurements were used to confirm that the changes observed in micelle diffusion coefficient resulted from changes in aggregate size. NMR titrations were used to measure pKa values for the UND-Glu carboxylic acid protons. Finally, the amide proton resonance in both the UND-Ala and UND-Glu NMR spectra disappeared around pH 10-11. Variable temperature NMR experiments suggested that this effect was due to an increase in the

rate of amide proton exchange with solvent at high solution pH. Funding source: National Science Foundation Grant

Regulatory Role of GTPase Activating Proteins During Cytokinesis in Giardia Intestinalis Ann O’Leary, Senior

Major: Neuroscience and Biology Hometown: Evansville, WI Faculty Sponsor: Paul Martino

Giardiasis, an infection caused by the highly divergent parasite Giardia intestinalis, has been classified as a neglected disease according to the World Health Organization. Within Giardia’s divergence lie opportunities to identify therapeutic targets. The actin cytoskeleton is a major point of divergence as Giardia lacks all canonical actin binding proteins yet the actin cytoskeleton performs the same essential functions as in other eukaryotes including polarity, membrane trafficking, and cytokinesis. Because many evolutionary studies have placed Giardia at the root of the eukaryotic tree, Giardia represents a unique opportunity to study potentially ancient modes of actin regulation. Compared to mammalian cells, whose actin cytoskeleton are regulated using a complex system of 22 upstream Rho GTPases, over 150 proteins that modulate GTPase signaling, Giardia is solely regulated by a G-protein most closely related to Rac and five modulating proteins. Here we examine the GTPase Activating Proteins (GAPs) that catalyze ATP hydrolysis, which stop the signaling pathway leading to actin depolymerization. To probe their function and therapeutic potential, a greater understanding of the three GAPs is required. Epitope tagged constructs of each GAP were made, transformed into Giardia, and visualized via immunofluorescence using a deconvolution microscope. Experiments indicate all three GAPs contribute to cell polarity and cleavage furrow positioning; however, severe growth and morphological defects in GAP10056 mutants indicate GAP10056 has the most potential as a therapeutic target. Funding source: Amgen Foundation

Affirmative Action: The International Experience Magdalene Odhiambo, Sophomore Major: Economics Hometown: Kisumu, Kenya Faculty Sponsor: Yuri Maltsev

Affirmative action has been one of most controversial and polarizing government interventions in labor markets in the US and other countries. Proponents of affirmative action see it as an effective means to achieve greater equality while critics argue it interferes with the efficient and equitable operation of labor

Celebration of Scholars

markets. The paper investigates the history of affirmative action in a group of countries consisting of the United States of America, Canada, India and South Africa and considers the effects of these policies in terms of the socio-economic impacts of affirmative action. Empirical data was used to test the effects of affirmative action policies in the selected group of countries. The results show that affirmative action has had both positive and negative effects. For instance, to some extent it increased tension between different racial or ethnic groups without necessarily improving the situation of the disadvantaged groups meant to benefit from the policy.

How to Create Sustainable Health Care Systems in Rural Kenya Vivian Onano, Senior Major: Management Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya Faculty Sponsor: Mark Miller

In Kenya, a rapidly increasing population has been suffering from an underfunded health sector and shortage of skilled health workers. Thus, there is a need to create sustainable healthcare systems that will be affordable and accessible to all. The goal of sustainable healthcare systems is to have the operations of these healthcare facilities efficiently run by the local communities in the rural parts of Kenya. This study utilizes secondary data to analyze this phenomenon and reach practicable solutions that will impact Kenya for years to come.

Using Soil Science as a Medium to Determine the Collective Impacts of Terrestrial Invasives on the Biogeochemical Structure of Soils in Kenosha, WI Akinyi Ooko-Ombaka, Senior

Major: Environmental Science and Geography/Earth Sciences Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya Faculty Sponsor: Sarah Rubinfeld

While humans have been able to dominate the planet for millennia, current global trends suggest that natural systems are deteriorating at a rate that surpasses our ability to reverse environmental damages. One of the most overlooked ecological impacts that human acceleration has had on our environment can be seen through the redistribution of organisms. The transportation of living organisms beyond their geographical areas has resulted in a number of associated problems including the emergence and proliferation of biological invaders known more commonly as invasive, exotic, alien or foreign species. Invasive plants are capable of modifying natural ecosystem functioning by means of native species displacement. Many

studies have shown that invasive species alter the biogeochemical structures of soil through a combination of properties including but not limited to increases in decomposition and litter production, phenological changes in plant growth and timing, and accelerated fluxes of nutrients. As part of a senior capstone project, and an extension of a summer undergraduate research project, terrestrial species along 3 lakes in Kenosha County were monitored using a modified transect-quadrat sampling method. In addition to data collection on species type, abundance (based on cover), and diversity, soil samples within each quadrat were collected for analysis. Although results indicate that a correlation between invasive species abundance higher nutrient levels, higher electrical conductivity and lower pH levels indicating a higher acidity, further analysis to broaden the biogeochemical changes are still underway. Funding source: Extension of SURE (ISWG) that was applied and adapted for a senior thesis project

Seeking Perfection in the Imperfect: Parody in Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey” Mikaley Osley, Senior Major: Theatre and English Hometown: Aurora, CO Faculty Sponsor: Alyson Kiesel

Parody contains a richness that allows it to survive through ancient, modern and postmodern times as well as span through various mediums of art. While parody is normally seen as a spoof, it also contains a level of respect for the parodied work. Parody requires “an essential tension” where “there [stands] both a homage and a kind of thumbed nose” (Fowles 18) toward the original text. Jane Austen thumbs her nose at gothic novels in her first work, “Northanger Abbey,” as she recounts the tale of seventeen-year-old Catherine Morland, an avid reader of the gothic novel. Catherine is led on a heroine’s journey to the town of Bath where she meets the Tilneys and the Thorpes, who shape and influence her in different ways. Later, she is invited to the Tilney’s residence, Northanger Abbey, the ideal gothic setting. In both locations, Catherine is faced with the challenge of growing up in a reality that does not match the desired one from her novels. Instead of simply poking fun in “Northanger Abbey,” Austen uses the genre of parody to create a new “realism” in fiction. While parody is often considered a type of criticism of a particular work, Austen uses it creatively to emphasize the realism in “Northanger Abbey.” She does this particularly in opposition to the gothic’s lack of realism in relation to the setting, the hyperbolic nature of gothic characters, the narrator, and the absolute nature of “happy” endings. Funding source: SURE

The Wilsonian Moment: SelfDetermination and the Fight for a New World Order Nicholas Panicola, Senior Major: History Hometown: Bensenville, IL Faculty Sponsor: Stephen Udry

At the 1919 Peace Conference President Wilson’s vision of a League of Nations was created, but at a great cost, because he was forced to concede many of his ideas and plans for a post-war world. Wilson’s idea of self-determination among nations was an ambitious plan to create peace and prosperity for all nations. This idea was affected by the mandate system of creating new and independent states following the fall of the German and Ottoman Empires. The threat of Bolshevism invading Europe, which was articulated from Vladimir Lenin’s publication of his April Theses, created a new problem for the Big Four which would interfere with the sixth point of Wilson’s Fourteen Points, self-determination. The political map of Europe changed following the war. Bolshevism took hold in some of the beaten down countries in Europe such as Romania and Hungary. Wilson and the Big Four reacted with any means necessary to prevent the spread of Bolshevism. The threat of Bolshevism and the reaction to the Mandate System were two factors affecting Wilson’s idea of self-determination.

Epic Love: Tradition and Chastity in Book III of ‘The Faerie Queene’ Susan Peinsipp, Senior Major: Great Ideas and English Hometown: Lombard, IL Faculty Sponsor: Maria Carrig

Britomart, the central knight of Book III and the Knight of Chastity, is the only female knight to have her own book in Edmund Spenser’s “Faerie Queene.” Spenser is using Britomart to expand the female tradition. The female tradition has a foundation in the ancient epics and romance but it is not significant; the focus here is on women. Spenser uses tree imagery to illustrate how he is building up the tradition. Britomart is a female knight in a typically male role and her quest is for empire through love and lineage, instead of empire through war. Love becomes active. Britomart is the allegorical representation of chastity, which is part of love. Love is the moderator for it is steadfast and does not easily give into temptations. Chastity is a sexual responsibility to marry and have children to carry on the empire. Through a primarily Formalist approach, it is revealed how Book III grows the female tradition in literature and defines chastity.

Homer’s ‘Odyssey, Pleasure and its Pitfalls Western Heritage Scholarship - Third Place

The Hunt for Agmatine Receptors on Macrophages Intern of the Year

Jacelyn Peabody, Junior

Major: Biology and Neuroscience Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO Faculty Sponsor: Daniel Choffnes

Agmatine, a derivative of L-arginine, is known to act as a neurotransmitter, is associated with lung exacerbations in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, and can augment biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Most CF patients succumb to chronic airway infections from this opportunistic pathogen. Our lab is interested in the host-pathogen dynamic in the CF lung and has found that agmatine plays a pivotal role in this process. Known agmatine-binding receptors are being searched for on primary murine macrophages, a cell that we have shown responds to agmatine. Candidates are 5HT-2C-serotonin receptors and α2-adrenoreceptors, whose existence has been putatively shown through adrenoreceptor blockade in the presence of agmatine. Western-blots were used to identify the presence of α2-adrenoreceptors and 5HT-2C-serotonin receptors and to quantify the level of expression following stimulus of macrophages with lipopolysaccharide or agmatine. Understanding the immunomodulatory effects of agmatine allows for future studies of host-pathogen interactions in CF patients. Funding source: NIH Heart, Lung, and Blood Program

Lindsay Phillips, Freshman Major: Theatre Performance Hometown: Chicago, IL

While pleasure is a perpetual theme throughout “The Odyssey,” it is also perhaps one of the most overlooked and undervalued themes. Odysseus’ interactions with and eventual rejection of pleasure in the forms of goddesses and Sirens are often merely accepted because the temptation of pleasure can sometimes seem too good to resist. I, on the other hand, desired to look below the surface level and analyze Odysseus not only as a hero, but also as a man. I wanted to discover the reasons behind his rejection of these pleasures, however complex they might be. My essay was driven forward by my thesis; the idea that Odysseus rejected simple pleasures in favor of true happiness which would be earned by his glorious homecoming. Odysseus is not simply a hero in search of glory for glory’s sake; he is instead, a man who desires to return home to his family because he knows that only then will he be sincerely happy.

Celebration of Scholars

The Effects of U.S. Foreign Policy Failures in Syria: Implications for Syrian Female Refugees in a Patriarchal Setting Jane Plier, Senior

Major: Political Science Hometown: East Troy, WI Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Hauser

As a ‘superpower’, the United States’ failure in effective humanitarian intervention demonstrates significant consequences in Syria, specifically concerning female refugees. It is through the accounts of Syrian female refugees that profound cultural issues are revealed, grounded in patriarchal international relations regarding the status of women, refugees, and states. This study assesses the consequences of the lack of direct action by the U.S. through the explanation of the conditions endured by Syrian female refugees in accordance with the globally accepted definition of refugee status and the role of feminist action in relationship to this. The experiences of Syrian female refugees were analyzed in the context of typical realities of female refugees worldwide and the framework in which patriarchy defines and perpetrates this phenomenon. This work is unique as it undertakes a perspective that assesses the manner in which overarching male-dominated thought, in both cultural consciousness and in international humanitarian law and practice, has been instituted as the norm. The realities that female refugees are forced to endure are ones that are distinctly marked by exploitation based upon their gender with characteristics being sexual exploitation, lack of mobility, and increased risk of domestic violence. Through the U.S. government’s failure to effectively intervene in the Syrian crisis, a cycle of female refugee experiences defined by patriarchal norms is once again placed into motion.

Sara O’Lear, Freshman

Major: Undecided Hometown: Lockport, IL Faculty Sponsor: Stacy Pottinger

Kristin Orban, Sophomore Major: Biology Hometown: Wayne, IL Faculty Sponsor: Stacy Pottinger

Jenny Wild, Freshman

Major: Business Administration Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL Faculty Sponsor: Stacy Pottinger

Since the establishment of the Department of Theatre’s Dance Minor, Carthage dancers have taken root in the tradition of American modern dance through the American Dance Legacy Initiative’s Repertory Etudes™ Collection curated and directed by Carolyn Adams and Julie Adams Strandberg at Brown University. The Repertory Etudes™ are short dances based on signature works of American choreographers available for study, viewing, and performance. The Battleworks Etude (created in 2003; revised in 2012) was performed by Carthage dance minors in the fall dance production, “Kinesthetic Chitchat” and recently adjudicated at the American College Dance Festival’s Regional Conference. Its performance was part of a project to develop the etude’s materials and methodology. This lecture demonstration shares the process of teaching, staging, and performing the Battleworks Etude as experiential research through which participants worked to surpass the steps and delve into the questions of embodying and ultimately preserving dance heritage.

A Sustainable Menstrual Health Solution Elizabeth Rakich, Senior

The Battleworks Etude: Staging and Embodying Dance Heritage through the Repertory Etudes Project(™) Stacy Pottinger

Department: Theatre (Dance Program)

Riana Alexandrou, Freshman Major: Marketing and Management Hometown: Prospect, IL Faculty Sponsor: Stacy Pottinger

Major: Social Work Hometown: New Lenox, IL Faculty Sponsor: Danielle Geary

Taylor Holleschau, Junior Major: Social Work Hometown: Danville, CA Faculty Sponsor: Danielle Geary

Allie Costello, Senior

Major: Social Work Hometown: Chesterfield, MO Faculty Sponsor: Danielle Geary

Days for Girls International is a nonprofit organization that empowers girls and women

around the world by direct distribution of sustainable feminine hygiene kits that can last up to 3 years. By partnering with nonprofits, groups and organizations, we are raising awareness, and importantly, helping impoverished communities start their own programs to supply kits and training. Without proper feminine products, these girls can miss up to 5 days of school a month or even drop out of school at an early age. To compensate for the lack of products, girls and women in these countries often use rags, newspaper and even corn husks to accommodate for their menstrual cycles. This can often lead to infection, disease and HIV. Through officially starting the Days for Girls Kenosha, Wisconsin, Chapter, we have successfully sewed and assembled 65 feminine hygiene kits for women and girls in Ghana, Africa that were to be distributed in April 2014. Funding source: External funding

A Textual Analysis of Aristotle’s Discourse on the Intellectual Excellences in the ‘Nicomachean Ethics’: How Does One Know He Is Living Well? Zachary Resch, Senior

Major: Great Ideas Hometown: Sheboygan, WI Faculty Sponsor: Brian Schwartz

While reading over Heidegger’s Sophist during the summer, I came away with the conclusion that the relationship of the two concepts φρόνησις and σοφία within Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics” was not altogether clear to Heidegger. In order to address some of the possible inconsistencies that arose in Heidegger’s examination of Aristotle, I attempted to chart every use of the terms φρόνησις and σοφία throughout the “Nicomachean Ethics” to determine whether such a textual ambiguity could be found in Aristotle’s writings, and whether Heidegger’s own research was an attempt to offer a solution to a standing problem, in addition to completing a close textual analysis of Book VI of the “Nicomachean Ethics.” This thesis will look to clarify the concepts of φρόνησις and σοφία throughout the “Nicomachean Ethics” through a close examination of their particular usages and, furthermore, to elaborate on the relationship that they have to each other as this seems to be what may cause the inconsistencies in Heidegger’s reading of Aristotle’s texts. As a result of the analysis of the varying intellectual capacities, including both φρόνησις and σοφία, I will endeavor to make the argument that Aristotle provides a false priority to σοφία over φρόνησις at 1143b32, 1145a7, and 1178b29, when discussing what intellectual capacity is the highest in excellence, and thereby highest in accordance with the happy life. Funding source: SURE

phenomena of consciousness are diverse and include intentionality, meta-cognition, empathy, and other higher order thought processes. As one shall see, the phenomena of consciousness do not arise from single neural events or specific brain structures, but rather they emerge from a complex interplay within a neural network. The debate about the existence and nature of human consciousness has been underway for centuries with philosophers, such as René Descartes, grappling with the existence of a self. This philosophical background will be summarized below, as it provides an important overview of competing perspectives, namely, dualism, the idea that there is a distinction between mind and body, and epiphenomenalism, the notion that consciousness is a causally inefficacious by-product that is inseparable from the body and the central nervous system, but is entirely inert. This thesis will then argue that, due to limitations with how they address consciousness, neither of these claims seems to capture the essence of the problem and it will provide a philosophical insight to resolve this problem. In addition, some of the current research on the socalled neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) will be described, specifically that of the prefrontal cortex and a mosaic theory called “the Hall of Mirrors.” Finally, in an effort to unite the two fields of study, the philosophical argument regarding the phenomena of consciousness will be recapitulated in light of the results found for neural correlates of consciousness.

DUC-Web: A Discussion-Based Teaching Strategy Patricia Rieman

Department: Education

Meiranda Patterson, Junior Major: History and Special Education Hometown: Kenosha, WI Faculty Sponsor: Patricia Rieman

Kelsey McCluskey, Senior Major: History Hometown: Belvidere, IL Faculty Sponsor: Patricia Rieman

A Conception of Self Faculty Sponsor: Penny Seymoure

The aim of this literature review is to examine how human consciousness relates to the central nervous system. The 35

Celebration of Scholars

Andrew Davis, Junior

Major: English Hometown: Bartlett, IL Faculty Sponsor: Patricia Rieman

Steven Sheer, Senior

Major: Mathematics Hometown: Schaumburg, IL Faculty Sponsor: Patricia Rieman

Steven Kupcikevicius, Senior Major: Physical Education Hometown: Oak Lawn, IL Faculty Sponsor: Patricia Rieman

DUC-Web is a new teaching and learning strategy and graphic organizer that facilitates civil discourse and collaborative discussion of difficult topics for young adults. This strategy was developed by Professor Patty Rieman and six undergraduates majoring in mathematics, English, special education, history, and physical education who were enrolled in Professor Rieman’s content area literacy methods course. The students first tried out a discussion strategy as learners themselves, and then continued to discuss and modify the strategy in order to increase its effectiveness and actually alter its innate purpose, moving from a focus on persuasion to a focus on collaboration. Next, the students used the altered strategy in their own teaching of middle and high school students during their field experiences. Along with the creation of the strategy itself, the undergraduates’ and Professor Rieman’s reflections on creating and teaching with the strategy became the data gathered in a case study of the experience.

Contrasting the Theme of Alienation in the German Poetry of Goethe and Brecht Erin Ritchie, Sophomore Major: German Hometown: Lombard, IL Faculty Sponsor: Gregory Baer

In my study, I compare two German poets, Bertolt Brecht and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and examine their different techniques of achieving the effect of reader alienation. I analyze three to five works each of Goethe and Brecht’s poetry and look at the way in which the words cause the reader to feel estranged. Such estrangement can be seen through the use of confusing changes in patterns of a poem or things within the poem which contradict each other. Many people have analyzed certain pieces of poetry from Goethe and Brecht extensively, but a comparison of the way the two have

represented estrangement or alienation has not yet been made. My contention is that alienation in Goethe’s poems is based in the realm of internalized feelings and confusion, which allows the reader to separate her logical mind from that which is innate, and therefore allows the reader to rediscover objects and situations in a new light. The alienation in Brecht’s poetry, however, is based in the realm of cold, hard, facts, allowing no room for internal feelings, but rather forcing the reader to see objects and situations in a new light based on logic and outside criticism of the world.

Hospira: a CFA Institute Investment Research Project Herman Rodriguez, Senior Major: Finance Hometown: Yorkville, IL Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall

Hunter Sandidge, Junior Major: Finance Hometown: Rockford, IL Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall

Cortney Benson, Senior Major: Accounting and Finance Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall

Megan Shover, Junior

Major: Finance and Management Hometown: Prospect Heights, IL Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall

The expiration of the Precedex patent and the release of biosimilars by Hospira in 2015 could either categorize the Hospira stock as “overvalued” or “undervalued” compared to the current market price. Using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) and Economic Value Added (EVA) models coupled with the EV/EBITDA valuation methods, we analyze secondary data to determine this answer. We utilize mixed methods of both qualitative (investment summary, target market factors, and key assumptions) and quantitative (ratios, financial statement analysis, WACC, and Beta calculations) approaches to conclude that the stock should be sold short through Quarter 3 of 2014. We forecast the stock will begin to increase in market value in quarter 4 of 2014 due to the opening of its Vizag manufacturing facility, the acquisition of API manufacturer Orchid, and subsequent decreases in cost of

goods sold. Additionally, the reopening of Rocky Mount, its largest manufacturing site, is expected to occur in mid-2015. The data suggests that 2014 will result in a 2% growth in net sales, but experience an overall decrease in net income. However, strong managerial strategies and decisions, lead us to conclude that Hospira is a solid long-term investment starting in Quarter 3, expected to appreciate in future years. For those with a long term blue chip focus, we calculate the intrinsic value of Hospira to be $48.41 (DCF) or $48.93 (EVA), with a floor at $38.54, and thus recommend investment.

Logo Contest Winner Sean Rogers

Major: Graphic Design Hometown: Elk Grove Village, IL

The Celebration of Scholars truly celebrates the ongoing pursuit each scholar continues to work towards. I decided to create an image that could encapsulate the goal each scholar has in mind: knowledge. A symbol of triumph after numerous failed attempts, the light bulb signifies the difficult but achievable journey to gain knowledge. The exterior of the lightbulb also forms a question mark, as questioning our surroundings is what initially sparks the pursuit of knowledge. The filament of the lightbulb, the brightest part of the bulb, spreads its light to the world around it. Just like the filament, The Celebration of Scholars allows scholars to share their knowledge with the world around them.

Propagation of Muscular Contractions in Octopus vulgaris Utilizing L-Glutamate, FMRFamide, and Electrical Stimulation in Order to Determine the Presence of Motor Units in Papillae Related Textural Camouflaging Behaviors Rachael Russell, Senior Major: Neuroscience Hometown: Appleton, WI Faculty Sponsor: Daniel Miller

One unique aspect of camouflaging in octopi is their ability to change the texture of their skin to match their surroundings through papillae, which are small protuberances of the membrane. The mechanism by which papillae are controlled is unknown, but it is believed to work similarly to previously studied muscular hydrostats. This study proposes the examination of the initiation of papillae expression by L-glutamate and FMRFamides by way of motor units in the dermal layer, utilizing similar methodologies to chromatophore research in octopi. The objective is to determine whether differing mechanisms are used to maintain sustained papillae expression and whether motor units are utilized in the

production of complex textural patterns. In order to resolve this question, methodologies inducing action potentials using differing stimuli, voltages and frequencies on live tissues are presented. The expected outcomes are the determination of L-glutamate and FMRFamide as transmitters for short-term and long-term papillae expression, respectively and further understanding of the neuronal control behind observed camouflaging behaviors. Understanding the activation and elicitation of short-term and long-term papillae expression along with the structures of neuronal muscle activation is critical as new knowledge could lead to the creation of synthetic models for military applications. In addition, the complexity of the cephalopod nervous system in relation to invertebrate evolution would become more distinctive, potentially giving insights into the acquisition of these derived characteristics.

Performing Symbolist Theatre Neil Scharnick

Department: Theatre

Alex Johnson, Junior

Major: Theatre Performance and Music Theatre Hometown: Cottage Grove, MN Faculty Sponsor: Neil Scharnick

French Symbolism, a non-realist genre committed to “making the invisible visible,” was profoundly influential on modern theatre: its irrationality appealed to the post-war Absurdists and its mysticism inspired the ‘60s avant-garde. Despite its importance as a forerunner to the Twentieth Century’s most important theatre, production of Symbolist drama—particularly in the U.S.—is almost unheard of today. It was our hypothesis that this dearth of production stems from a lack of understanding concerning 1) the theory behind the work and 2) the performance and production practices the style demands. It was the goal of this project to ascertain what producing the poetic and cryptic drama of the Symbolists required and what it offers artists and audiences today. We needed to develop a deeper understanding of the writings of Symbolism’s champion, Maurice Maeterlinck. This understanding could come only through studying primary documents (plays, theoretical essays, etc.) and recent scholarship on Symbolism. We chose promising Symbolist plays and authored production concepts for them. We tested our concepts through performance, recreating to the extent possible the performance techniques of the Symbolists. The Ensemble & Experimental Acting J-Term course provided a further context for testing results and refining our understanding of the form. The class wrote and performed plays in the Symbolist mode and offered a performance showcase, part of which will be performed during the Celebration of Scholars. Funding source: SURE

Celebration of Scholars

The Relationship Between College Students’ Connectedness to Nature and Quality of Life Hannah Shields, Senior

Major: Exercise and Sport Science Hometown: Cedar Lake, IN Faculty Sponsor: Cynthia Allen

to how the United States advertises those products. In contrast, billboards and store front signs are extremely different compared to our country. The billboards were very plain and rarely displayed people on their advertisement, and store front signs were typically in graffiti. Those two aspects are definitely something you would not commonly see in the United States! Funding source: J-Term 2014: Film Analysis-- Filming Cultures Beyond Tourism.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an increased connection to nature (CNS) would be associated with improved quality of life (QOL), present and future, and stress. A questionnaire was given to 196 students enrolled in a required health course, and then analyzed through several chi-square tests. The questionnaire included Mayer and Frantz’s Connectedness to Nature Survey, the Cantril Self-Anchoring Scale, and a list of thirteen items that may have caused subjects “a significant amount of stress” in the past thirty days. No correlation was found between CNS and present or future QOL. Academics was the most reported stressor of the college students, with 87.8% (N=172) of participants citing it as a source of stress. Students with a high CNS were 10% less likely to report it. Interestingly, daily and college related finances showed the opposite relationship. Students with a high CNS score were 15% more likely to say they experienced stress related to daily finances and paying for college. It is possible that because many college students often find themselves spending their time working indoors, (studying, parttime jobs) they are unable to make time for outdoor pursuits. Secondly, because experiences that allow us to become closer to nature often require money (time off work, camping equipment, travel expenses), students are not yet in a financial place to afford these expenses.

Self-Therapy as an Alternative Explanation as to Why People Get Tattoos

‘Advertisement in the Dominican Republic’

Propinquity: The Importance of Relationships in Shaping the Vietnam War

Gina Sipka, Freshman

Major: Graphic Design and Studio Art Hometown: Frankfort, IL Faculty Sponsor: Matthew Borden

“Advertisement in the Dominican Republic” is a 2 minute long film explaining and informing my research on the way advertisement is portrayed in the Dominican Republic. I chose to focus on this aspect of their culture because I am a graphic design major, and thought it would be very interesting to examine how differently a third world country draws attention to consumerism. I chose to examine three broad figures of advertisement: consumer products in a grocery store, billboards one would see driving along highways, and storefront signs that display the company of that specific store. I found that the consumer products are advertised very similarly

Adam Szalacinski, Senior Major: Psychology Hometown: Greenfield, WI Faculty Sponsor: Robert Maleske

Tattoos have traditionally been seen as purely body decoration. There has also been a loose category of “self-expression” that incorporates nearly every reason someone may get a tattoo that is not body decoration. A survey of thirty-five people over the age of eighteen, with a total of one hundred eight tattoos, revealed that “selftherapy” could be another reason as to why people get tattoos. A simple chi square significantly revealed self-therapy as a possible category, X² (2, N = 108) = 7.2, p = .028. A survey asking the opinions of one hundred twenty-nine people over the age of eighteen, both with and without tattoos, suggests that further studies may be needed in the field. Self-therapy, concerning tattooing, is inclusive of both the act of getting tattoos, much like cutting behavior, and the use of an image to cope with an event, much like art therapy. This forms three reasons to get tattoos: body decoration, self-expression, and self-therapy.

Christina Thomas, Senior Major: History Hometown: Gurnee, IL Faculty Sponsor: Eric Pullin

The Vietnam War is a sensitive topic for most Americans, especially for those who were directly and indirectly affected by the conflict. Because of personal experiences and stories told, many people know what happened in the jungles and what came as a result of the War. However, not everyone is familiar with the foundations of the Vietnam conflict and the origins of the War. In the White House, advisers used persuasive arguments and supportive evidence to promote their position on the subject. Although it is tempting to believe that the facts would have been enough to persuade or

dissuade the presidents, evidence shows that who was speaking had more influence than what they said. The semester was spent examining documents—the Foreign Relations of the United States such as memorandum, telegrams and letters as well as National Security Council, Joint Chiefs of Staff meeting notes and tape recordings—and analyzing books and articles written by experts in the field. This project concludes that more than facts, it was the type of relationship that the Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Secretary of State Dean Rusk and Under Secretary of State George Ball had with presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson that determined how policy was implemented in the White House from 1960 until 1965.

‘Salvation’ Research and Creativity Award Winner

This poem was written in response to reading Steve J. Stern’s trilogy on Pinochet’s Chile. On September 11, 1973, a military coup took over Chile. The democracy was put under a strong dictatorship under General Augusto Pinochet. Thousands of Chileans were considered enemies of the state and assassinated. More than that are the number of people who remain disappeared. Although democracy was restored in 1990, many have not received answers to what happened to their loved ones. Dr. Stern interviewed Chileans from all walks of life and carefully weaves their stories together to study the role of memory in history. Although the books are historical in nature, a mere analytical paper would not do justice to the subject. More than dates and facts, Dr. Stern captured the strong emotions of fear, uncertainty and regret that tortured human beings as they were commanded to forget individual experiences to collectively embrace one national memory. There are numerous Biblical allusions that are fitting and make the complex emotions easier to understand as the lines between what was morally right and wrong were severely blurred. Any phrases that seem exaggerated were placed intentionally to reveal the radical nature of the time period.

Art and Psychology Jena Thomas, Senior

Major: Studio Art and Psychology Hometown: Hinsdale, IL Faculty Sponsor: Kimberly Greene

The focus of my current work is the incorporation of psychology and art. Studies in both areas and their confluence are reflected in each other and characterized by two things important to both fields: experimentation and curiosity. For psychology, my experimentation dealt with the importance of color and art medium in relation to stress. Participants were asked to use two different art media, ceramics and drawing, with two different options for the occurrence of color, present or absent. Their blood pressures were recorded before and after the session. The second blood pressure was then subtracted from the initial blood pressure to generate the participant’s scores. The

results found systolic blood pressure, the measure most important for stress reduction, as being most significant for an interaction between the presence of color and clay. For art, the focus of my work was the embodiment of ideas rooted in experimentation and theories of psychology. One of the specific concepts addressed in these terra-cotta art works is Sigmund Freud’s theory of the id, ego, and superego are symbolized in a playful three-headed dog. The first head, representing the id, is a feral wolf driven and controlled by desire and impulse. The opposite head, representing the superego is a Labrador guided by the conscious ignoring impulse. The center head, representing the ego, is an alpha and Doberman and tries to satisfy desires of both the id and superego. Artworks inspired by other psychological concepts include the theory of evolutionary attraction, amnesia, and pica.

Abraham and Aeneas: A Comparison of Two Pieties Western Heritage Scholarship - Second Place

Ethan Town

Major: Biology Hometown: Winthrop Harbor, Ill.

Within Virgil’s “Aeneid,” it is Aeneas’ piety that provides the drive for much of his journey, as particularly seen in his divine call to depart from Carthage for Italy. Similarly, in Genesis, Abraham obeys his own God with a selfless obedience, an obedience that eventually culminates in the preparation of his own son’s sacrifice. However, although both Aeneas and Abraham’s pieties are practiced to similar extremities, they differ in motive and development. A careful examination of these distinctions can indicate much regarding various aspects of Aeneas and Abraham’s character. In regards to Aeneas, piety is a blind and thoughtless response to the gods’ commands, indicating a presence of fear and childlike naivety. Abraham’s devout obedience, on the other hand, is developed more gradually. Rather than practicing the irrational piety of Aeneas, he learns to be pious as he further develops his relationship with God. It is this important factor that provides a distinction between the pieties of Aeneas and Abraham.

Small Business Start-Up: Ready Kid Self-Sufficiency Bootcamp Gregory Volpendesta, Senior Major: Management Hometown: Gurnee, IL Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall

Celebration of Scholars

Herman Rodriguez, Senior Major: Finance Hometown: Yorkville, IL Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall

Matt Van Dyck, Freshman Major: Marketing and Finance Hometown: St. Charles, IL Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall

Paul Becker, Sophomore Major: Finance and Accounting Hometown: Lake Villa, IL Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall

Chad Westenberg, Sophomore Major: Marketing and Management Hometown: Green Bay, WI Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall

Michael Greenwood, Senior Major: Management Hometown: Oswego, IL Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall

Jilian Novak, Freshman Major: Finance and Accounting Hometown: St Charles, IL Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall

Dr. Jonathan Main, a local orthopedic surgeon in the Kenosha/Racine community, wished to develop a one or two day “Self-Sufficiency Boot Camp,” which would educate children in a “hands-on” manner in executing fundamental tasks necessary for daily living. His project, executed by Velocity Consulting, allowed students the opportunity to develop all phases of this unique business from concept to reality. Our report contains, but is not limited to: project scope, phases and organization, payment plans, negotiated contracts, the business plan, financial projections, the Ready Kid “Self-Sufficiency Boot Camp” Program, survey material, website, and grand opening event planning. Through extensive primary and secondary data research, the mission for this company transformed into, “Ready Kid develops essential life skills in adolescents by taking learning beyond the classroom, teaching basic “hands-on” household and outdoor

tasks; fostering proficient kids with a brighter future.” Our results illustrate the potential for success in this endeavor as we enter our project closeout phase. With a high degree of motivation and attention to details, our team is preparing to release the research findings and practicable deliverables, culminating in the grand opening event. Funding source: External Funding

Media Piracy: An Ethical Analysis of Media Downloading Allison Von Borstel, Junior

Major: Economics and International Political Economy Hometown: Orland Park, IL Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Wall

This paper on media piracy analyzes how legal decision making due to punishment moderates the strength of the mediated relationships between locus of control (Hypothesis 1a), cognitive moral development (Hypothesis 1b), and price discrimination (Hypothesis 1c) with decision value via psychological rewards such that the mediated relationships are stronger for those with higher punishments than for those with lower punishment. The media industry has seen a detrimental decrease in potential profits due to piracy this multi-billion dollar industry has fallen victim to the fluidity and anonymity of the Internet. Previous research on illegal downloading has focused on attitude and choice as well as the possibility of deterrence. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding legal effects. This new information, coupled with historic trends in piracy data, reveals novel ideas and strategies for information technology and the media industry. A survey is created to analyze these hypotheses, scales are adapted or adopted for each construct, and vignettes are used to further understand the moderated findings. To ensure the validity of the results, both latent constructs are developed to isolate the ethical and legal factors studied. Multivariate outliers are handled with particular care. To determine the correlation among variables and model fit, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are conducted. Pattern matrixes are utilized to build the model which visualizes the proposed hypotheses. The data suggests findings of value to both future academic research as well as practitioners attempting to improve current, legal means of obtaining media. Funding source: SURE

A Discourse Analysis of Japanese Invitational Strategies and Expressions: the Difference Between Japanese Native and Non-native Speakers Risa Wada, Graduate Major: Education Hometown: Hyogo, Japan Faculty Sponsor: Yan Wang

Japanese invitation has drawn many linguists’ attention for its unique social-cultural features and strategies such as kikubari “careful consideration, thoughtfulness” (Polly 1993). Yet, very few of them have examined the invitational expressions from a linguistic perspective. The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences of invitational strategies and expressions between Japanese native and non-native speakers, and further to explore its implication to teaching. Taking an approach of discourse analysis, I collected conversational data by conducting a role-play of invitation. Through analyzing the invitational expressions in the conversational sequences, I found that while native speakers dynamically choose multiple invitational expressions in response to the invitee’s reactions and linguistic/non-linguistic hints, nonnative speakers often ignore or misjudge the invitees’ suggestion and use limited expressions that may potentially threaten the invitee’s “face” (Brown and Levinson, 1987). Moreover, while non-native speakers tend to use affirmative forms to respond to the invitee’s questions, native speakers often add doodesuka “How about...” or hedge words when providing a personal opinion. In sum, I claim that while native-speakers’ invitation appears to be “addressee-oriented,” non-native speakers’ invitation is more “speaker-oriented” or “self-focused.” My study suggests that Japanese instructors should introduce the concept of “addressee-oriented” to students in order to avoid pragmatically inappropriate invitations. Also, this study calls for situational practices, which integrate the functions of each invitational expression into one invitational sequence.

Janus: A Door to Understanding Richard Ward, Sophomore Major: Classical Archaeology Hometown: Tinley Park, IL Faculty Sponsor: Christine Renaud

The project Janus: A Door to Understanding is a research based project geared toward looking deeper into the Janus as a god during Roman times and understanding how his history as a god influenced people of this time period in numerous aspects of life. This project is an attempt to combine many different ideas and evidences into a description that is as cohesive and complete as possible given what

is already known of Janus. The culmination of these many ideas into a solid understanding is hard to find, given all of the separate aspects of the gods and how they were portrayed both in public and private settings. The project will be accomplished by using as many resources as possible on the subject matter and finding evidence from artifacts and writings to support generalized ideas and theories of this god. This will entail using archived works and possibly outreaching to specialists in the field of mythology to confirm certain facts about Janus. Then, the information will be analyzed and put into a suitable format showing the different parts of Janus as he was seen during the Roman period. I expect to be able to present a presentation on all the accepted aspects of Janus and show how he was constantly related to lifestyles, religious actions, and societal policies.

Gender Roles in Senegal, Africa Sydney Whitaker, Senior

Major: Social Work Hometown: Bainbridge Island, WA Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Smiley

This project discusses observations of gender roles and conclusions based on observational research done while in Senegal, Africa, for the Exploring the Roots of African American Religion January Term course.

The Effectiveness of the Gateway To Technology (STEM) Program Megan Zirbel, Graduate Major: Education Administration Hometown: Wheatland, WI Faculty Sponsor: Paul Zavada

This study appraises the effectiveness of Gateway to Technology (GTT) middle school STEM curriculum in an attempt to answer the question “Does the GTT program improve a student’s academic growth in comparison to traditional science curricula?” Data from a small, rural middle school was used to determine the academic growth of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. Growth from the 2010-2011 school year was compared to growth during the 20112012 school year in an attempt to answer the study’s first research question: What are the effects of implementation of GTT on academic growth of students? Second, the effect on the number of years of program participation was analyzed. A third research question dealt with a comparison of the growth of male students versus female students. The final research question explored the growth of special education versus non-special education students. Data was analyzed using paired t-tests and t-tests for each year of program implementation. The results of the study were mixed, showing that upon the first year of implementation sixth grade students experienced significant academic growth,

Celebration of Scholars

while seventh and eighth graders did not. However, upon the second year of implementation, participants experienced greater academic growth than in the first year. Correspondingly, females experienced a greater academic growth than males in the first year of implementation. However, special education students performed at levels similar to those of their non-special education classmates. Ultimately, these results insinuate further need for study.